FIFA boss referred to Olympic ethics board over Trump's World Cup call

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under scrutiny by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following a complaint alleging a breach of political neutrality rules. The complaint was filed by FairSquare, a London-based sports and human rights non-governmental organization.

The controversy centers on FIFA's decision to permit U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium, despite having received a red card in his previous match. This decision reportedly came after lobbying from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump himself took credit for FIFA's unprecedented move, which ultimately saw the U.S. team eliminated from the tournament after a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

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FairSquare will file a complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino's repeated breach of political neutrality rules.

The IOC considers political neutrality a fundamental principle for sports bodies like FIFA. Infantino, who joined the IOC's invited members in 2020, falls under its jurisdiction. FairSquare stated its intention to file a formal complaint with the IOC Ethics Commission, highlighting Infantino's "repeated breach of political neutrality rules."

This development follows remarks by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who indicated the committee would investigate any complaints received regarding the Balogun controversy. Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump since 2018, marked by frequent White House visits and the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize awarded to Trump in December. FairSquare had previously filed a complaint against Infantino with FIFA's ethics committee in December.

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Obviously if they do they would look into it.