FIFA is once again facing questions regarding the conduct of its leadership after a former senior executive accused President Gianni Infantino of potentially violating the governing body's Code of Ethics by publicly expressing support for US political actions.
Miguel Maduro, the former chairman of FIFA’s governance committee, suggested Infantino stepped over the line of political neutrality with recent comments made at the American Business Forum in Miami.
During the event, Infantino praised President Donald Trump, stating, "I think we should all support what he’s doing because I think it’s looking pretty good."
Maduro told The Athletic that while a FIFA President can recognize the legitimacy of an election result, Infantino went too far in endorsing a political programme.
"The final part of his statement does more than recognize the legitimacy of President Trump. It endorses his political programme and actions and argues others should support them too. He is taking a position in what is an internal political debate in the U.S," Maduro asserted.
He added that to remain politically neutral requires an official "not to take a position on that political debate, much less to argue that all should support President Trump’s policies. To do so appears a clear violation of the duty of political neutrality imposed on any FIFA official by Article 15 of its Code of Ethics."
The official FIFA Code of Ethics is explicit regarding the principle of political neutrality:
"In dealings with government institutions, national and international organizations, associations and groupings, persons bound by this Code shall... remain politically neutral, in accordance with the principles and objectives of FIFA..."
Violation of this article is subject to severe sanctions, including an appropriate fine of at least CHF 10,000 and a ban on taking part in any football-related activity for a maximum of two years.
The accusation comes years after the United States led an investigation and prosecution of several FIFA Executives, throwing the organization into turmoil. Now, with the US preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA President finds himself once again in hot water within his own organization over his political commentary.
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