By Staff Reporter
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint filed by human rights organization FairSquare against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ruling that the matter falls outside the jurisdiction of its Ethics Commission.
According to an IOC spokesperson, the Ethics Commission carefully reviewed the complaint before concluding that the allegations relate to FIFA’s internal governance, management, and its relationship with governments—issues that are not covered by the IOC Code of Ethics.
“The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said, adding that FairSquare had been formally notified of the decision.
FairSquare submitted the complaint on July 14, accusing Infantino of violating the IOC’s principle of political neutrality by allegedly showing public support for U.S. President Donald Trump.
The organization argued that Infantino’s repeated public appearances alongside Trump and his alleged endorsement of the president’s policies breached ethical standards expected of IOC members.
The complaint is part of a broader campaign by FairSquare, which also lodged a similar case with FIFA’s Ethics Committee last year, claiming that Infantino had repeatedly expressed support for Trump’s actions and political agenda.
Infantino, who has served as an IOC member since 2020, has faced increased scrutiny over his close association with Trump, particularly during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
One of the tournament’s most controversial moments came during the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, when Trump joined Infantino on the field for the trophy presentation. The pair were met with loud boos from sections of the crowd.
Trump also revealed during the tournament that he had contacted Infantino to review a red card issued to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although Balogun was initially suspended for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium, he was later cleared to play. The United States went on to lose the match 4-1.
Despite the criticism surrounding their relationship, Trump was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December in recognition of what FIFA described as his efforts to promote dialogue and reduce tensions in several global conflict zones.
The IOC’s decision means the complaint against Infantino will not proceed under its ethics framework, leaving any further action to FIFA’s own disciplinary bodies.
