IOC Clears Infantino Over Participation in Trump’s Board of Peace

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said that Gianni Infantino’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace alongside United States President Donald Trump does not breach the Olympic Charter’s rules on political neutrality.

Infantino, who serves as president of FIFA and is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, attended Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Peace. The initiative is focused on reconstruction efforts in Gaza and aims to support rebuilding work in the territory once Hamas disarms.

“The IOC has been in contact with FIFA,” an IOC spokesperson said on Saturday. “We understand that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive sport recovery investment programme in Gaza, Palestine, by providing sporting infrastructure, education and elite development proposals.

“This is entirely in keeping with the role of an international sport federation. The IOC, through Olympic Solidarity, which is our development vehicle, has been and continues to support sport development in the region,” the spokesperson added.

The Olympic Charter requires IOC members to remain independent of political and commercial interests and prohibits them from accepting mandates or instructions from governments or other parties that could interfere with their freedom of action or vote.

The Board of Peace, spearheaded by Trump, has drawn controversy. While it includes Israel, it does not feature Palestinian representatives. Trump’s suggestion that the board could expand its focus beyond Gaza has also prompted concerns among some observers that it might encroach on the United Nations’ traditional role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Infantino appeared on stage with several heads of state during the event, wearing a red hat emblazoned with “USA” and the numbers “45–47,” referencing Trump’s two non-consecutive presidencies. He also displayed a FIFA collaboration agreement with the Board of Peace outlining plans to construct 50 mini-pitches near schools and residential areas in Gaza, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a FIFA academy and a new 20,000-seat national stadium.

Trump and Infantino have met on several occasions, with the United States preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. In December, Trump was awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, with the governing body citing his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in global conflict zones.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who was elected in 2025, has not yet met Trump. The 2028 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H