The IOC states that Infantino’s role as FIFA president in the Board of Peace does not breach political neutrality.

The International Olympic Committee stated on Saturday that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attendance at the inaugural meeting of The Board of Peace this week, alongside United States President Donald Trump and other heads of state, does not breach any Olympic Charter regulations regarding political neutrality.

The leader of the global soccer governing body, who is also a member of the IOC, participated in Thursday’s meeting of The Board of Peace, which is concentrating on reconstruction efforts in Gaza and aims to restore the territory once Hamas disarms.

An IOC spokesperson stated, “The IOC has been in contact with FIFA.” “FIFA is actively supporting a comprehensive sport recovery investment program in Gaza, Palestine, focusing on football by providing sporting infrastructure, education, and elite development proposals.”

This aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of an international sports federation. The spokesperson stated, “The IOC, via Olympic Solidarity, our development vehicle, has been and remains committed to supporting sport development in the region.”

The Olympic Charter stipulates that members are required to act independently of any commercial and political interests at all times. The Charter says they can’t take orders from governments, organizations, or others that could limit their freedom to act and vote.

The Board of Peace established by Trump has sparked considerable debate. It encompasses Israel while excluding Palestinian representatives, and Trump’s proposal that the board might eventually tackle issues beyond Gaza has raised concerns about its potential to weaken the U.N.’s position as the primary forum for international diplomacy and conflict resolution.

Infantino took the stage alongside various heads of state, wearing a red hat emblazoned with ‘USA’ and the numbers 45-47, representing Trump’s two non-consecutive presidencies.

Infantino also showcased the FIFA collaboration agreement with The Board of Peace, which encompasses the construction of 50 mini-pitches near schools and residential areas in Gaza, five full-size pitches across various districts, a cutting-edge FIFA academy, and a new national stadium with a capacity of 20,000 seats.

As the United States prepares to co-host this summer’s soccer World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, Trump has held multiple meetings with Infantino.

In December, FIFA announced that the U.S. President received its inaugural peace prize for his initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and reducing tensions in some of the globe’s most critical conflict zones.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who was elected in 2025, has yet to meet Trump. The 2028 Summer Olympics is set to take place in Los Angeles.