FIFA president Gianni Infantino is under fresh scrutiny after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) received a complaint seeking an investigation into his alleged role in the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension. The complaint also accuses Infantino of repeatedly breaching IOC rules on political neutrality through his support for US President Donald Trump.
The complaint was filed by advocacy group FairSquare. It has asked the IOC to investigate several actions by Infantino, including the decision that allowed Balogun to play in the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. The USA striker was automatically suspended for the next match. Under FIFA rules, such suspensions cannot be appealed.
However, FIFA announced on July 5 that the suspension had been put on hold for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The governing body did not provide any further explanation for the decision.
The announcement came after Trump publicly urged FIFA to review the red card. Infantino later confirmed that he had received a call from the US President. However, he denied influencing the process.
Infantino said FIFA’s judicial committees act independently. He added that their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football.
Balogun returned against Belgium, but the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat and were knocked out of the World Cup.
FAIRSQUARE QUESTIONS INFANTINO’S CONDUCT
FairSquare argues that Infantino, who has been an IOC member since 2020, is bound by the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics. The organisation says he is required to remain politically neutral.
It alleges there is “compelling evidence” that Infantino committed five breaches of those rules through public statements and actions supporting Trump.
The Balogun case is described as one of the most serious allegations. FairSquare says Infantino may have given in to political pressure after Trump’s intervention.
The complaint also cites Infantino’s promotion of a FIFA fan platform allegedly linked to Trump-associated entities. It also refers to social media posts following Trump’s inauguration, his public backing of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, and his presentation of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to the US President.
FairSquare had earlier filed a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee in December. That complaint was supported by the Norwegian Football Federation. Fifty members of the European Parliament also backed the move in a separate submission on June 29.
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