IOC won't probe Infantino over Trump dealings, citing lack of jurisdiction

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided against investigating FIFA President Gianni Infantino over allegations that he violated rules of political neutrality through his dealings with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision comes after the human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with the IOC.

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The IOC Ethics Commission has thoroughly analyzed the FairSquare complaint and found that, in accordance with the Olympic Charter, each international federation maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance.

FairSquare's complaint centered on Infantino's alleged breaches of Olympic political neutrality rules, citing his conversations and relationship with Trump. The group specifically referenced FIFA's decision to postpone the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun before a World Cup match, following a personal appeal from President Trump to reconsider the footballer's red card.

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The scope of the ethical code in relation to international federations and their officials is limited.

However, an IOC spokesperson clarified that the committee's Ethics Commission thoroughly analyzed the complaint but found no grounds for investigation. The spokesperson explained that under the Olympic Charter, international federations maintain their independence and autonomy. The scope of the IOC's ethical code concerning international federations and their officials is limited, and the complaint primarily concerned FIFA's internal management and decisions, which are outside the IOC's purview. FairSquare has been informed that the matter does not fall within the IOC's jurisdiction.

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The Ethics Commission also found that the complaint can only be addressed by the competent federation concerned with governance, management, and the adoption of rules, including its relations with governments, is outside the scope of the IOC's ethical code.