DD-Sport > Football > FIFA President appeared at the "Peace Summit" and stood side by side with Trump. Critics: FIFA has betrayed political neutrality

FIFA President appeared at the "Peace Summit" and stood side by side with Trump. Critics: FIFA has betrayed political neutrality

According to China News Network, on the evening of October 13, local time, at the "Peace Summit" held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, the four countries signed a document to provide guarantee for the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

When leaders from more than 20 countries gathered in Egypt, FIFA President Infantino also appeared at the summit and appeared side by side with US President Trump. It is reported that Trump will put pressure on FIFA to move the FIFA World Cup originally scheduled to be held in Boston next year to other cities. He said parts of Boston had been "taken over" by the recent riots.

Infantino said in Egypt that Trump invited him to attend the peace summit: "FIFA is here to help, and we stand ready to contribute to ensuring the success of the peace process." He also promised that FIFA will support Gaza in rebuilding football infrastructure as part of its post-war reconstruction efforts.

Infantino said: "Football can bring hope to children, which is very, very important."

Although it is surprising that Infantino, who is neither a head of state nor a political leader, appeared at the "Peace Summit" in Egypt, looking back on his previous statements and actions, it is expected that the FIFA president, who is concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli issue and has a close relationship with Trump, would attend the peace summit.

Although Switzerland-based FIFA reportedly wants to remain neutral in international politics, Infantino has spent years working to deepen ties with Trump and other major political figures since the United States won the right to co-host the 2026 World Cup in 2018.

In 2016, Infantino became the president of FIFA. In 2018, during Trump's first term, Infantino and Trump met for the first time, and the United States won the right to co-host the 2026 World Cup. In return, Trump pledged aid to support the global event. Recently, the U.S. government said it would launch a $500 million plan to ensure the safety of World Cup venues in the United States.

In 2020, Infantino and Trump shared the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It was at this summit that Infantino called Trump "my best friend" for the first time. After Trump leaves office in 2021, the two will still keep in touch. Since Trump's second term, Infantino has attended various events with Trump on many occasions. He held a VIP seat at Trump's second inauguration and was a frequent presence in the Oval Office.

Last week, during Israel’s participation in two World Cup qualifiers, Infantino also made relevant remarks, calling on the football community to make efforts for peace in the Middle East.

After Israel and Gaza reached a peace agreement, Infantino delivered a speech at the European Football Club Conference and said: "Unity is a core theme discussed at this conference. Although it is not directly related to football, I am deeply pleased with the exciting news about the development of peace in the Middle East."

However, as Infantino's relationship with political leaders has become increasingly close, concerns have emerged within FIFA. An official from a human rights organization criticized Infantino's attendance at the peace summit: "FIFA has completely abandoned political neutrality and openly supported Trump and Netanyahu, which is deeply worrying."

Red Star News reporter Zhou Yuexiao comprehensively reviewed by China News Network

Feng Lingling