Coventry, speaking during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan‑Cortina, said she was unaware Infantino appeared front and centre at the event, where he was seen alongside politicians and wearing a red “USA 45‑47” cap — a reference to Trump’s non‑consecutive presidential terms. She said reporters’ questions prompted the IOC to examine whether the FIFA chief’s conduct may breach the IOC Charter’s strict requirement for political neutrality.
Under the Olympic Charter, IOC members must “act independently of political and commercial interests” and must not accept mandates from external organisations or governments that could influence their freedom of action and vote — a cornerstone meant to preserve neutrality and fairness in sport. Coventry underscored the IOC’s intent to maintain that stance, saying the body will conduct a formal look‑into the matter now that it has been brought to its attention.
Infantino, who leads world football body FIFA and is one of 107 IOC members, used the Board of Peace platform not only to appear alongside Trump but also to announce what FIFA described as a landmark partnership to support reconstruction projects in Gaza, including plans for football pitches, a new academy, and a national stadium — part of a roughly $75 million football‑focused initiative with The Board of Peace.
The move follows growing concerns over Infantino’s alignment with Trump. Last year he awarded Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in Washington — an honour that sparked criticism from governance watchdogs and a complaint to FIFA’s ethics committee alleging repeated breaches of political neutrality.
Coventry reiterated that political neutrality remains fundamental to the IOC’s mission and that the committee will study the Board of Peace involvement carefully, so as to uphold the principles that underpin the Olympic Movement.