Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has come under fire for appearing at a political event led by President Donald Trump, where he unveiled a football support agreement for the Gaza Strip. This appearance has reignited debates about the political neutrality of sports leaders, especially as Infantino donned a red hat emblazoned with 'USA 45-47', a nod to Trump's two terms in office. Despite the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) conclusion that Infantino did not violate any regulations, critics have raised concerns over the appropriateness of a sports leader participating in a political event, particularly related to a region devastated by war.

During the meeting of the 'Board of Peace' held in Washington on the 19th, reports indicated that Infantino discussed plans for the reconstruction of Gaza's football infrastructure, part of a $75 million initiative aimed at rebuilding after the disarmament of Hamas. The fact that such announcements were made during an event that excluded Palestinian representatives, while including Israel, has also fueled the controversy, alongside Trump's remarks about addressing other international issues.

In the wake of the backlash, the IOC confirmed it had investigated the situation and ultimately deemed that no regulations had been breached. An IOC spokesperson noted that they recognize FIFA's efforts to support sports recovery programs in Gaza through football, aligning with the roles of international sports federations. Infantino's continued engagement with the Trump administration, including attending the President's inauguration and visiting the White House, raises further questions about the intersection of sports and politics.