IOC content with Infantino’s role in Trump’s Gaza rebuilding project
KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: The presence of Gianni Infantino at the recent inaugural meeting of United States President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, does not violate any rule of the Olympic Charter on political neutrality, according to the International Olympic Committee.
The president of world football’s governing body, who is also a member of the IOC, participated last Thursday in the BoP’s opening meeting, which focused on reconstruction efforts in Gaza once Hamas disarms.
A question about Infantino’s involvement in a political set-up blindsided IOC president Kirsty Coventry at a media briefing during the Winter Olympics. She promised an investigation – which has led nowhere.
An IOC spokesman said: “The IOC has been in contact with FIFA. We understand that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive investment program for the recovery of sport in Gaza (Palestine) by providing sports infrastructure, education, and development initiatives for elite athletes.
“This is fully in line with the role of an international sports federation. The IOC, through Olympic Solidarity, our development vehicle, has supported and continues to support sports development in the region.”
The Olympic Charter states that IOC members must always act independently of commercial and political interests. It also adds that they cannot accept “from governments, organisations or other parties, any mandate or instruction that could interfere with their freedom of action and vote.”
Infantino appeared on stage with several heads of state, sporting a red cap with the letters ‘USA’ on the front and the numbers 45 and 47 on the side, in reference to Trump’s two non-consecutive presidencies.
Infantino also showcased FIFA’s partnership agreement with the Peace Council, which includes the construction of 50 mini-fields near schools and residential areas in Gaza, five regulation-size fields in various districts, a state-of-the-art FIFA academy, and a new national stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators.
The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, assured on Friday that the matter would be investigated, but ultimately the organization will not take any action against Infantino.
Trump has met Infantino on numerous occasions, given that the United States will co-host the World Cup this summer with Mexico and Canada. The US president also received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December.
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