Table of Contents
- Infantino at Gaza Summit: A Surprising Presence
- The Trump-FIFA Alliance: How Deep Does It Go?
- Is FIFA Abandoning Political Neutrality?
- Global Reactions and Criticism
- What’s Next for FIFA?
- Sources
Infantino at Gaza Summit: A Surprising Presence
On Monday, October 13, 2025, world leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to mark a historic cease-fire deal in Gaza. Among them stood an unexpected figure: Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA—the global governing body of soccer. Unlike the heads of state and regional dignitaries flanking President Donald Trump, Infantino held no political office. Yet there he was, shaking hands with Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, pledging to rebuild sports infrastructure in war-torn Gaza.
“It’s something that is really important for FIFA to be here,” Infantino declared in a polished Instagram video, showcasing his high-level interactions. But his presence raised eyebrows far beyond the soccer pitch.
The Trump-FIFA Alliance: How Deep Does It Go?
This wasn’t Infantino’s first appearance alongside Trump. Since Trump’s first term, the FIFA chief has cultivated a close, public relationship with the former—and now current—U.S. president. Their alliance dates back to 2018, when the U.S., Mexico, and Canada won the bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
Since then, Infantino has:
- Spoken at a Trump-hosted dinner during the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos
- Attended the signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington during the pandemic
- Secured a front-row seat at Trump’s 2025 inauguration
- Visited the Oval Office multiple times
- Allowed Ivanka Trump to participate in the Club World Cup draw—a break from tradition
Earlier this month, a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy sat not in Zurich’s FIFA museum—but in the Oval Office, on Trump’s request. FIFA even opened an office in Trump Tower earlier this year.
Gianni Infantino’s Global Ties Beyond Trump
Infantino’s cozy relationships aren’t limited to Trump. He’s also built strong ties with:
| Leader | Country | Controversy |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman | Saudi Arabia | 2034 World Cup awarded without bidding |
| Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani | Qatar | Provided Infantino a villa during 2022 World Cup |
| President Paul Kagame | Rwanda | Accused of authoritarian rule |
Is FIFA Abandoning Political Neutrality?
FIFA’s statutes explicitly forbid political interference in soccer. Yet Infantino’s alignment with Trump—and by extension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—has drawn sharp criticism.
“Infantino has abandoned all pretense of the political neutrality that FIFA espouses… and has put FIFA firmly in the corner of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu,” said Nick McGeehan, director of human rights group FairSquare.
The controversy deepens with a pending two-year-old complaint from the Palestinian Football Association, accusing Israel of violating FIFA’s territoriality rules by allowing teams from West Bank settlements to compete in its domestic league. FIFA has yet to rule on the matter.
Global Reactions and Criticism
Infantino’s Gaza summit appearance has sparked internal dissent. According to several soccer officials, FIFA executives have privately voiced concern over his overt political alignment. Notably, Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, chose not to attend the summit—highlighting the unusual nature of Infantino’s involvement.
Even Infantino’s predecessor, Sepp Blatter—ousted in a corruption scandal—never inserted himself so visibly into geopolitical events.
What’s Next for FIFA?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Infantino insists his political access is essential for tournament success. Yet he’s spent significantly more time with Trump than with leaders of the other two host nations.
Critics argue this imbalance undermines FIFA’s credibility as a neutral global sports body. With growing scrutiny from human rights organizations and member federations, the question remains: Can FIFA maintain its mission while its president acts like a geopolitical player?
