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The International Olympic Committee has declined to investigate allegations that FIFA President Gianni Infantino violated Olympic political-neutrality rules through his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The IOC Ethics Commission concluded that the complaint filed by human rights organization FairSquare concerned FIFA’s governance, its relationship with governments and its enforcement of soccer rules. Therefore, the commission determined that the allegations fell outside its jurisdiction.
The ruling avoids a judgment on whether Infantino acted appropriately. Instead, it leaves unresolved a broader question: Who holds an international federation president accountable when that official also serves as an IOC member?
Andrew Holleran of The Spun reported the IOC’s decision Sunday. Reuters, the Associated Press, FairSquare and official FIFA statements provided additional information.
IOC Says Complaint Falls Outside Its Authority
FairSquare filed its IOC complaint in July, alleging that Infantino repeatedly violated the Olympic movement’s political-neutrality requirements by publicly supporting Trump.
Infantino has served as an IOC member since January 2020. FairSquare argued that his membership requires him to follow the Olympic Charter and IOC Code of Ethics, even while acting as FIFA president.
However, the IOC Ethics Commission drew a distinction between Infantino’s Olympic responsibilities and his leadership of FIFA.
The commission said the complaint concerned FIFA’s internal governance, its management, its relations with government and its application of soccer’s rules. The IOC considers those matters the responsibility of the international federation.
“Consequently, the complaint falls outside the IOC ethics commission’s jurisdiction,” an IOC spokesperson said.
The commission informed FairSquare of its decision and will not open an investigation based on the complaint.
World Cup Decision Intensified Scrutiny
FairSquare submitted the complaint after controversy surrounding the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Officials sent off Balogun for serious foul play during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The red card normally carried an automatic one-match suspension.
Trump later called Infantino and requested a review of the decision. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended Balogun’s punishment for a one-year probationary period, clearing him to play against Belgium in the round of 16.
Trump said he requested only a review and did not demand that FIFA reverse the suspension.
“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”
FIFA maintained that its disciplinary committee reached the decision independently. The organization cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows officials to suspend the implementation of a sanction under certain circumstances.
Balogun played against Belgium, but the United States lost 4-1 and exited the tournament.
Decision Sparked International Criticism
FIFA’s action prompted criticism from Belgium, UEFA officials and other European soccer leaders.
Critics questioned whether a national leader should contact the head of an international sports federation about a disciplinary ruling involving his country’s team. They also argued that FIFA’s reversal created concerns about political influence and equal treatment.
The Associated Press reported that the decision appeared to mark the first time since 1962 that a World Cup red card did not result in a suspension during the tournament.
Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility, but FIFA rejected the protest before the round-of-16 match.
The controversy extended beyond the outcome of one game. It raised questions about whether senior sports officials can maintain independence when they develop close relationships with political leaders.
Complaint Extended Beyond Balogun Case
FairSquare’s allegations did not focus solely on the World Cup disciplinary decision.
The organization also cited several public comments in which Infantino praised Trump or supported his political positions. FairSquare asked the IOC to examine Infantino’s role in creating FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize and awarding it to Trump in December 2025.
In addition, the complaint questioned Infantino’s promotion of a World Cup fan website that FairSquare alleged had connections to a data-collection campaign involving Trump-linked organizations.
Those allegations remain FairSquare’s claims. The IOC did not rule on their merits.
FairSquare had previously filed a separate complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee in December 2025. That complaint also accused Infantino of repeatedly violating FIFA’s obligation to remain politically neutral.
Ruling Exposes an Accountability Gap
The IOC said each international federation retains independence and autonomy over its governance. Its ethics rules apply to federation officials only when their actions relate directly to the IOC.
That separation protects federations from outside interference. However, it can also create an oversight gap when a federation president simultaneously holds IOC membership.
FairSquare contends that IOC members should remain accountable to Olympic ethical requirements regardless of which position they hold when the alleged conduct occurs.
The IOC said it would continue working to strengthen governance across the Olympic movement and clarify the responsibilities of its organizations.
For now, any investigation into Infantino’s conduct as FIFA president would need to come through FIFA’s ethics system or another organization with jurisdiction over international soccer.
The IOC’s decision did not clear Infantino of FairSquare’s allegations. It concluded only that the Olympic body lacked the authority to consider them.
About the Author: Peter Lange
