FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to be referred to Olympic ethics investigators over a possible breach of political neutrality rules following the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun’s eligibility to play against Belgium.
The dispute emerged after US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had intervened in FIFA’s unprecedented decision to allow Balogun to feature in Monday’s match against Belgium despite the striker having been sent off in the United States’ previous game.
The decision sparked widespread criticism and debate, with Belgium responding emphatically by defeating the United States 4-1 in Seattle.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) regards political neutrality as one of the “fundamental principles of Olympism” for sporting organisations, including FIFA. The IOC also has jurisdiction over Infantino, who became a member of its exclusive group of invited members in 2020.
London-based sports and human rights organisation FairSquare announced on Wednesday that it would submit a formal complaint to the IOC Ethics Commission.
“FairSquare will file a complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s repeated breach of political neutrality rules,” the organisation said in a statement.
The announcement came a day after IOC president Kirsty Coventry told reporters that no formal complaint had yet been received.
“Obviously if they do, they would look into it,” Coventry said during an online press conference on Tuesday when asked about the Balogun controversy and allegations of lobbying by the Trump administration.
She added that the IOC had been closely monitoring developments surrounding the matter, particularly given that the United States is a co-host of the FIFA World Cup and is also due to stage the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Yes, we have been obviously watching everything play out,” the IOC president said when questioned about possible interference in on-field matters by the World Cup co-host nation.
