Miguel Maduro, the former chairman of FIFA’s governance committee, has accused current FIFA President Gianni Infantino of breaching the organization’s political neutrality rules by publicly praising President Donald Trump.
Infantino made the comments in question during a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami earlier this week, an event at which Trump himself spoke.
“I think we should all support what he’s (Trump’s) doing because I think it’s looking pretty good,” Infantino said.
The comments, made at a business forum, were clearly referring to the business aspect of the President’s agenda. Maduro, though, believes they violate the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) ethics rules.
“The final part of his statement does more than recognize the legitimacy of President Trump. It endorses his political program and actions and argues others should support them too,” Maduro said without evidence. “He is taking a position in what is an internal political debate in the U.S.”
Gianni Infantino has been accused of a “clear violation” of the governing body’s statutes on neutrality after appearing to endorse United States president Donald Trump’s political agenda.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 6, 2025
Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, an event that was also… pic.twitter.com/ZUBl65RU5y
Sounds like TDS
It’s undoubtedly quite a stretch to think that comments about President Trump’s pro-business policies amount to a violation of FIFA rules by taking a “political” stance.
Maduro appears to be in a state of despair that someone in an organization he once served would say anything positive about Trump.
Maduro argued that Infantino’s endorsement goes beyond recognizing Trump’s legitimacy, as it actively urges support for his policies, inserting FIFA into a domestic U.S. political debate.
While silly, the accusations could be potentially serious. FIFA’s Code of Ethics requires officials to maintain political neutrality in their dealings with governments, with violations potentially resulting in fines of at least CHF 10,000 and bans from football activities for up to two years.
Imagine that – an organization as corrupt as FIFA has been over the years, suddenly getting its knickers in a twist because an official might praise the President of a country who will be hosting the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino gives President Trump the World Cup trophy, says "only winners" can hold it. pic.twitter.com/vatPCQjeK4
— Rusty (@Rusty_Weiss) August 22, 2025
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FIFA and Trump
President Trump threatened to relocate some 2026 World Cup games from specific cities in the United States if they don’t crack down on crime and address safety concerns ahead of the event.
FIFA initially rejected Trump’s authority, with vice president Victor Montagliani stating that the tournament falls under the soccer body’s jurisdiction and the sport is “bigger than any individual or country.”
They had a sudden change of heart shortly thereafter, stating, “safety and security are obviously the government’s responsibility.”
Trump issued an executive order establishing a White House Task Force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host.
Trump will personally chair the initiative, with Vice President JD Vance appointed as vice chair to ensure seamless coordination across federal agencies.