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SportsIOC declines to probe Infantino over Trump interference in World Cup disciplinary case
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to investigate FIFA President Gianni Infantino over allegations that he violated Olympic rules on political neutrality by intervening in a World Cup disciplinary matter at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump. Human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint after Trump personally asked Infantino to review a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup Round of 32. FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the automatic one-match ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. An IOC spokesperson stated that the ethics commission found it lacked jurisdiction, as the Olympic Charter grants international federations independence in governance. The IOC Code of Ethics applies to relations with the IOC itself, not to internal decisions of a federation. FairSquare has also filed a separate complaint with FIFA's ethics committee regarding Infantino's public support for Trump and the awarding of a FIFA Peace Prize to the president. UEFA sharply criticized the decision as unprecedented and unjustifiable.
Source report
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to investigate FIFA President Gianni Infantino over allegations that he violated Olympic rules on political neutrality in his dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Background of the Complaint
Human rights group FairSquare submitted a complaint to the IOC earlier this month, citing FIFA's decision to defer a one-match World Cup suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. The deferral came after Trump personally asked Infantino to review the red card.
Balogun had been sent off in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision widely criticized as harsh. FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the automatic ban on July 5, allowing the Monaco forward — the Americans' leading scorer with three goals — to face Belgium.
Trump later confirmed he had lobbied Infantino, praising the outcome as the reversal of an injustice. FIFA maintained that its committees acted independently.
IOC's Response
An IOC spokesperson stated that the ethics commission thoroughly analyzed the complaint and determined it lacked jurisdiction. According to the Olympic Charter, international federations maintain independence in governance. The IOC Code of Ethics applies to relations with the IOC itself, not to an international federation's internal decisions, management, government relations, or implementation of its sporting rules.
FairSquare has been informed of the finding.
Additional Complaints
Separately, FairSquare filed a related complaint with FIFA's ethics committee in December regarding Infantino's public support for Trump and the awarding of a FIFA Peace Prize to the president.
Criticism from UEFA
The Balogun episode drew sharp criticism from UEFA, which called the decision unprecedented and unjustifiable.
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Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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