FIFA's president has been accused of violating neutrality rules after publicly endorsing Donald Trump's political programme.
Gianni Infantino spoke at the American Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, where the US president was also present, and made statements that critics argue breach FIFA's statutory requirements for impartiality.
A former senior FIFA official has characterised the remarks as a "clear violation" of the organisation's code of ethics, which mandates that it maintains neutrality in political and religious matters.
The controversy centres on Infantino's explicit call for support of Trump's policies whilst speaking in his official capacity as FIFA president.
Speaking on Trump during his Miami appearance, Infantino said: "We have a great relationship. I'm really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, where I consider him a really close friend.
"He does things. He does what he says. He says what he thinks. He actually says what many people think as well, but maybe don't dare to say and that's why he's so successful."
Infantino's most contentious statement came when he appeared to back Trump's presidential agenda.
He said: "He is just implementing what he said he would do. So I think we should all support what he's doing because I think it's looking pretty good."
Gianni Infantino has been accused of violating Fifa's political neutrality regulations
| GETTYMiguel Maduro, who led FIFA's governance committee from 2016 to 2017, has argued that Infantino's remarks constitute a breach of the organisation's ethical standards.
Maduro explained to The Athletic that whilst FIFA's boss may acknowledge electoral legitimacy, Infantino exceeded this boundary by advocating for Trump's policies.
He said: "The final part of his statement does more than recognising 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 US."
The former governance chief identified Article 15 of FIFA's Code of Ethics as the specific regulation that appears to have been breached.
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Gianni Infantino has made multiple public appearances alongside Donald Trump back in July
| ReutersFIFA's regulations stipulate that the organisation "remains neutral in matters of politics and religion".
The only exceptions are permitted only for matters relating to FIFA's statutory objectives.
Potential consequences for breaching these rules include investigation by FIFA's Ethics Committee, an independent judicial body responsible for examining conduct violations.
Possible sanctions range from warnings and reprimands to fines, compliance training and prohibitions on participating in football-related activities.
Donald Trump met with Gianni Infantino during the peace summit last month
| REUTERSGB News has approached FIFA for a comment.
The controversy emerged as FIFA announced its new Peace Prize initiative, with Infantino suggesting Trump might receive the award in Washington next month.
The final draw for the 2026 World Cup will also take place at the Kennedy Centre on December 5.
On November 20, FIFA will hold draws in Zurich for the play-off tournaments that will determine the final qualifying teams.
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