Unexpected twist! IOC refuses to investigate scandal involving Infantino and Trump
Gianni Infantino has dodged an inquiry from the Olympic bodies.
Details: The International Olympic Committee has dismissed a complaint from the human rights organization FairSquare against the FIFA president. The IOC explained that matters of FIFA’s internal governance and its dealings with government authorities do not fall under the jurisdiction of its ethics commission.
FairSquare argued that Infantino had repeatedly breached the IOC’s rules on political neutrality due to his close relationship and public endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump. The organization’s complaint was officially filed on July 13.
One of the central episodes was the controversial decision regarding Folarin Balogun. After Trump personally requested that Infantino reconsider the red card given to the American forward, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the enforcement of Balogun’s one-match ban for a year. This allowed the player to take the field in the World Cup match against Belgium.
However, the IOC’s refusal to launch an investigation does not mean the allegations were dismissed: the committee specifically cited a lack of jurisdiction to address such matters.
It’s worth noting that Infantino has been an IOC member since 2020 and is required to adhere to the organization’s established principles of political neutrality.
Reminder: A rift in world football! UEFA president boycotted the World Cup final over FIFA's controversial decision.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
