FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump assumed their roles around the same time in 2016-2017, and they quickly found common ground that has raised eyebrows within the sports community. Infantino has openly expressed support for Trump's actions, despite FIFA's regulations requiring staff to remain politically neutral. This has led to significant backlash, as FIFA's member nations are often engaged in contentious political disputes that ideally should remain separate from sports.

This situation escalated in November 2025 when former FIFA governance committee chair Miguel Maduro accused Infantino of violating FIFA's neutrality regulations due to his vocal support for Trump. Maduro, a Portuguese lawyer, argued that Infantino's endorsements compromise FIFA's integrity, particularly when political disputes among member nations can escalate to severe conflicts, sometimes even involving armed responses. The implications of such behavior could undermine FIFA's governance and the integrity that the organization strives to maintain, especially given the political weight that sports often carry.

Following Maduro's accusations, the watchdog organization FairSquare filed a formal complaint against Infantino with FIFA's ethics committee, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to governance standards in sports. As the debate unfolds, FIFA's ability to uphold its principles in the face of political influence will be crucial to restoring credibility within the organization and maintaining the trust of its members and fans alike.