IOC Dismisses Complaint Against FIFA President Over Alleged Trump Political Ties
The International Olympic Committee has dismissed a complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over alleged violations of its rules on political neutrality.
The complaint, submitted by human rights organisation FairSquare, accused Infantino of repeatedly showing political support for United States President Donald Trump.
However, the IOC Ethics Commission said the matter did not fall within its jurisdiction.
According to an IOC spokesperson, the commission examined the complaint but determined that the Olympic Charter gives international sports federations independence and autonomy in managing their affairs.
The spokesperson said issues concerning FIFA’s governance therefore remained outside the authority of the IOC Ethics Commission.
Infantino, who became an IOC member in 2020, is bound by the oath taken by members of the Olympic body to act independently of commercial and political interests.
Questions over his relationship with Trump intensified after the FIFA president attended a meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace, where he was photographed wearing a cap marked “USA” and “45-47”, a reference to Trump’s two terms as president.
The IOC had previously said it was in contact with FIFA and noted the football governing body’s support for a sports recovery programme in Gaza, Palestine.
The organisation said FIFA’s efforts to provide sporting facilities, education and elite development were consistent with the role of an international sports federation.
FIFA later presented Trump with its first peace prize in December, with Infantino praising what he described as the president’s exceptional efforts to promote peace and unity.
The relationship between the two men has also attracted attention during the North American World Cup, after Trump publicly spoke about contacting Infantino before FIFA lifted a suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun following a red card.
