IOC to review Gianni Infantino conduct after White House peace board appearance

Kirsty Coventry confirms Olympic body will examine FIFA president role in political event
Infantino took part in launch of Donald Trump Board of Peace and signed Gaza funding partnership
IOC oath requires strict political neutrality from all members

International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry has said the organisation will review the conduct of FIFA president Gianni Infantino following his prominent role in the launch of U.S. President Donald Trump Board of Peace in Washington.

Infantino and Coventry are both among the 107 IOC members bound by an oath to act independently of political interests. That commitment is central to the Olympic Charter and is designed to preserve the neutrality of the Olympic movement.

Speaking at her final news conference of the Milan Cortina Winter Games, Coventry confirmed that the IOC would examine Infantino involvement after it emerged he had signed a partnership agreement on behalf of world football governing body FIFA during the event.

“The Olympic Charter is very clear on what it expects of its members and we will go and research into the alleged signing of documents,” Coventry said. “Now that you have made us aware of it, we will go back and have a look into it.”

The White House event saw the formal launch of Trump Board of Peace, where Infantino signed a deal that could see up to $75 million of FIFA funding invested in football infrastructure and development projects in Gaza.

In recent months Infantino has aligned FIFA closely with the United States government ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. His involvement has included attending Trump inauguration last year and making several visits to both the White House and Mar a Lago.

Coventry said she had been unaware that Infantino had played such a central role at the launch event, describing him as having been “front and center”.

The IOC maintains strict rules on political neutrality, though its membership includes a number of high profile political figures. Among them are the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Saudi Arabia ambassador to the U.S. Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, and Indonesia sports minister Erick Thohir.

Coventry herself served as sports minister in Zimbabwe government until her election earlier this year as the first female president of the IOC.

The review is expected to focus on whether Infantino actions were compatible with the obligations placed on IOC members and whether his role at a high-profile political event crossed the boundaries set out in the Olympic Charter.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.