Olympic Committee challenges Infantino over alleged political bias linked to Balogun case

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, already criticised for the handling of the Folarin Balogun suspension, now faces a fresh complaint at the International Olympic Committee, where he has sat as a member since 2020, accusing him of breaching the Olympic Charter’s political‑neutrality rule.

Human‑rights group FairSquare has filed a formal complaint, alleging that the Swiss FIFA chief repeatedly violated the Olympic Charter’s neutrality rule in his contacts with American President Donald Trump.

The Norwegian Football Association has also thrown its weight behind the complaint, stating it will keep the dossier under review, increase pressure, request talks and build momentum after the World Cup.

Balogun received a direct red card on 1 July against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which automatically triggered a suspension for the following match, a sanction that normally cannot be appealed.

On 5 July FIFA announced, under article 27 of its disciplinary code, that the one‑year ban would be suspended, allowing the striker to feature in the round‑of‑16 clash with Belgium.

Donald Trump later admitted he had pressed for a review of the suspension, saying he only asked the case to be reconsidered because he did not consider it an offence.

Infantino confirmed that Trump had called him but denied any undue influence, insisting that FIFA’s judicial committees operate fully independently.

FairSquare argues that Infantino’s explanation is insufficient, citing five examples of neutrality breaches: public endorsements of Trump, attendance at inauguration events, support for a Nobel prize for the US president, awarding the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, and promotion of a fan website linked to a Trump‑related data campaign.

The story has also been highlighted for those who have set it as a Google favorite U, underscoring the media attention surrounding the issue.

Neither the International Olympic Committee nor FIFA have responded to the allegations, leaving the dispute unresolved.

The contrast between FIFA’s willingness to overturn a disciplinary sanction and the Olympic movement’s readiness to question Infantino’s political ties reveals a growing tension between sport governance and the Olympic Charter’s demand for strict neutrality.