IOC Faces Complaint Over Gianni Infantino Ties to Trump

The International Olympic Committee has received a formal complaint alleging that FIFA president Gianni Infantino repeatedly breached political neutrality rules through his support for President Donald Trump.

FairSquare, a nonprofit advocacy group, has asked the IOC to investigate several incidents, including Infantino’s possible role in suspending a one-game ban for striker Folarin Balogun, which allowed him to play for the United States in a round of 16 match against Belgium on 6 July.

Infantino confirmed he received a phone call from Trump, who had publicly pushed for Balogun’s reinstatement, but insisted he did not interfere in FIFA’s decision-making process. Balogun went on to play as the USMNT was eliminated 4-1 by Belgium. He had originally received a direct red card in the 64th minute of a 1 July match for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic, after which the US won 2-0 while down to ten men in the round of 32.

Although red cards and suspensions typically cannot be appealed, FIFA posted a brief statement on 5 July explaining its ruling: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.” On the day of the Belgium match, Trump told reporters, “All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. And, you know, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.” He added, “I think they made a really brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that.”

Infantino has maintained that FIFA’s judicial committees operate independently. A statement issued on his behalf read, “Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”

FairSquare’s complaint raises broader concerns about Infantino’s conduct, given his status as an IOC member since 2020. The group argues he is bound by strict political neutrality rules under the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics, both of which allow for the expulsion of members who fail to comply. On its website, FairSquare stated, “there is compelling evidence that Infantino has committed five clear breaches of IOC rules on political neutrality through statements or other clear expressions of support for the US President.”

Beyond the Balogun controversy, FairSquare cited Infantino’s promotion of a FIFA fan site tied to the 2026 World Cup, which it claims was linked to a data-harvesting campaign connected to Trump-affiliated entities. Other alleged breaches include a supportive Instagram post following Trump’s presidential inauguration event in January 2025, a public endorsement of Trump for the Nobel Prize in October 2025, further supportive remarks in November, and Infantino presenting Trump with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December at the World Cup draw held at the Kennedy Center.

FairSquare had already lodged a related complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee in December, which received backing from the Norwegian football federation and 50 members of the European Parliament in a separate letter dated 29 June. Neither the IOC nor FIFA has responded to requests for comment.

Should sports officials be held to stricter standards of political neutrality in their public roles?