The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over alleged violations of political neutrality, saying the matter falls outside its jurisdiction.
The complaint was submitted by human rights organisation FairSquare, which accused Infantino of repeatedly breaching the IOC’s rules on political neutrality by publicly supporting US President Donald Trump.
According to the NGO, Infantino’s actions were inconsistent with the Olympic Charter, which requires IOC members to remain independent of political and commercial interests.
However, an IOC spokesperson told AFP that the organisation’s Ethics Commission thoroughly reviewed the complaint before deciding it could not take action.
“The IOC Ethics Commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare,” the spokesperson said.
“The commission noticed that, pursuant to the Olympic Charter, each International Federation (IF) maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance. The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson added.
The decision means the IOC will not pursue disciplinary action against the FIFA president.
The issue follows earlier criticism of Infantino’s close relationship with President Trump.
In February, the IOC also dismissed concerns over Infantino’s attendance at the first meeting of the Board of Peace, convened by Trump, where he wore a red cap bearing the inscription “USA” and “45-47,” referencing Trump’s two presidential terms.
At the time, the IOC said it had been in contact with FIFA regarding the matter.
“We understand that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive sport recovery investment programme in Gaza, Palestine, by providing sporting infrastructure, education and elite development proposals,” the IOC said.
The organisation added that FIFA’s efforts were consistent with the responsibilities of an international sports federation and noted that the IOC also continues to support sports development in the region through Olympic Solidarity.
Infantino’s relationship with Trump has continued to attract attention in recent months.
In December, FIFA presented Trump with its inaugural Peace Prize, with Infantino praising the US president’s “exceptional and extraordinary” efforts to promote peace and unity around the world.
Trump also revealed during the North America World Cup that he had personally spoken with Infantino before FIFA lifted the suspension imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun following a red card.
Despite the criticism, the IOC has now ruled that the complaint against Infantino does not fall within its authority to investigate.
Source: AFP.
