IOC rejects human rights group’s complaint against FIFA president Infantino

By Arjun Nair / 25.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint filed by the human rights organisation FairSquare against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The IOC stated that the matter falls outside the jurisdiction of its Ethics Commission.

An IOC spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the Ethics Commission thoroughly reviewed FairSquare’s complaint. However, the commission concluded that the complaint, concerning the FIFA president, pertained solely to decisions made by the international federation regarding its governance, management, and its interactions with governments. It also related to the implementation of the sport’s rules, all of which are beyond the scope of the IOC Code of Ethics.

FairSquare was informed that their complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction. The group had lodged the complaint against Infantino on July 14, alleging that he had repeatedly violated the IOC’s rules on political neutrality by offering political support to US President Donald Trump.

Details of the complaint

FairSquare indicated its intention to file a complaint regarding what it described as Infantino’s repeated breaches of political neutrality rules. This action is part of an ongoing campaign by the organisation, which has previously challenged FIFA’s ethics processes.

Last year, FairSquare also submitted a complaint to FIFA’s Ethics Committee, claiming that Infantino had publicly supported President Trump’s actions and policies on multiple occasions. Infantino, who has been an IOC member since 2020, has faced scrutiny for several appearances alongside Trump, which formed a central part of FairSquare’s complaint.

During this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Trump was involved in several controversial incidents. On July 19, boos were heard at New York New Jersey Stadium as Trump and Infantino walked onto the field for the World Cup final trophy presentation ceremony.

Trump reportedly stated that earlier in the tournament, he had contacted Infantino to request a review of a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun during the last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was initially suspended for the last-16 game against Belgium but was later allowed to play in the match, which the US lost 4-1.

The US president was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December for his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in various global conflict areas.

IOC’s stance and further developments

The IOC reiterated that the complaint against Infantino was outside the jurisdiction of its ethics commission. Section two of the Olympic Charter states that IOC members must not accept mandates or instructions from governments, organisations, or other parties that could interfere with their freedom of action and vote.

The IOC’s statement followed reports that the Norwegian Football Federation was considering filing a formal complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee regarding the decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban. The NFF president, Lise Klaveness, expressed strong concern about the decision and indicated that a decision on a complaint would be made at the federation’s next board meeting.

The Norwegian Football Federation has already filed a complaint concerning the awarding of FIFA’s first Peace Prize to Trump. Infantino has been an IOC member since 2020.

Source: aljazeera.com