White House Defends Trump’s Intervention in US Soccer Suspension Amid FIFA President Investigation Threat
The growing connection between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy during the 2026 World Cup. The White House defended Trump’s involvement in overturning the suspension of US forward Paul Arriola, while a human rights group plans to urge the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate Infantino for breaching political neutrality.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force and son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, supported Trump’s appeal to FIFA to lift Arriola’s suspension. Arriola had been suspended after a red card in the match against Bosnia, but following Trump’s call for review, the suspension was canceled, allowing Arriola to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. Giuliani criticized the Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus’s decision as "very suspicious," citing Klaus’s past involvement in investigations of match-fixing and irregular red cards. He also questioned the use of VAR, claiming slow-motion replays were improperly applied to contact fouls.
Giuliani emphasized that the US government’s stance was about fairness in sports, stating, "The US government wants a fair game, whether at the ballot box or on the playing field." He expressed satisfaction with the successful appeal and the outcome for the US team. When a Brazilian journalist noted Klaus was only a witness in match-fixing probes and not accused, Giuliani clarified Klaus’s connection to investigations involving irregular red cards.
Meanwhile, according to Reuters, the human rights organization FairSquare intends to file a complaint with the IOC against Infantino, who is also an IOC member, alleging he violated political neutrality by repeatedly supporting Trump. FairSquare previously approached FIFA’s ethics committee over Infantino’s decision to create a "FIFA Peace Award" and bestow it on Trump during the World Cup draw. The group demands an investigation into whether the award decision was properly approved by FIFA bodies or unilaterally made by Infantino. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said no formal complaint has been received yet but confirmed the ethics committee would review it if filed.
Despite the controversy, Giuliani hailed the US-hosted World Cup as a historic and economic success, noting over 6.5 million fans have attended matches and the tournament has set records for viewership and ticket demand. "Soccer is no longer a future story in America," he said. "It is happening now."
