The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed its surprise regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino's participation in the newly established "Peace Council" convened by Donald Trump. While some critics have raised concerns over Infantino's relationship with the former U.S. president, the IOC stated that FIFA is fulfilling its mission by supporting efforts to rebuild sports infrastructure, particularly football, in Gaza. This statement comes in the wake of Infantino's involvement with a fund aimed at reviving football in the region.

Infantino's appearance at the Peace Council event raised eyebrows not only because of his association with Trump but also due to his visible display of support for the U.S. by wearing a hat emblazoned with "USA" and references to Trump's presidency. This has led to discussions about the role of sports leaders in political contexts and how associations with controversial figures can impact their organizations' reputations.

The IOC's support for FIFA's initiative highlights the importance of sports in promoting unity and recovery in conflict-affected areas. As such projects aim to foster hope and recovery, the IOC emphasizes the need for sports organizations to engage in humanitarian efforts, signaling a growing trend where sports entities participate in social causes that transcend their traditional scope.