The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said that Gianni Infantino, president of global soccer’s governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and an IOC member, did not breach political neutrality rules by attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, the IOC confirmed on Saturday, Reuters reported.
Infantino appeared this week at the launch of the Board of Peace alongside Donald Trump, the U.S. president, and other world leaders. The meeting, held in Washington, focused on reconstruction efforts in Gaza, including sport-related development projects.
An IOC spokesperson said the committee had been in contact with FIFA and understood that the organization is backing a comprehensive programme to help Gaza through football. This includes support for sporting infrastructure, education and elite-level development proposals aimed at aiding recovery, the spokesperson said.
The IOC’s statement cleared Infantino’s participation of any breach of the Olympic Charter’s political neutrality requirement, which bars members from engaging in actions that could be interpreted as taking political positions. FIFA’s involvement, according to the IOC, was viewed as consistent with its role promoting sport and humanitarian support.
Infantino’s presence at the event had raised some controversy because it placed him in a high-profile forum with political figures, fueling debate over the appropriate level of interaction between sporting officials and political leaders.
The Board of Peace initiative, which has drawn participation from various governments and organizations, aims to channel resources towards rebuilding in conflict-affected areas, with sport positioned as a tool for social cohesion and recovery.