The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged breaches of political neutrality rules.
The complaint was filed by human rights group FairSquare. It accused Infantino of repeatedly showing political support for US President Donald Trump.
The decision was confirmed by an IOC spokesperson on Friday.
Complaint Was Reviewed
The IOC said its Ethics Commission had examined the complaint. However, the commission found that the matter did not fall within its jurisdiction.
“The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” an IOC spokesperson told AFP.
The IOC also pointed to the autonomy granted to international sports federations under the Olympic Charter.
FIFA operates as an independent international federation. Its governance is separate from that of the IOC.
Political Neutrality Questioned
FairSquare had argued that Infantino’s public conduct raised concerns over political neutrality. The organisation pointed to his relationship with Trump and his appearances at events involving the US president.
The complaint was made against the backdrop of growing scrutiny of Infantino’s ties to Trump. The FIFA president has been seen with the US leader on several occasions.
Those encounters have drawn criticism from some rights groups.
Earlier Trump Controversy
Infantino’s links to Trump have also been questioned before. In February, attention was drawn to his attendance at the first meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace.
Infantino was pictured wearing a red cap. It carried the words “USA” and “45-47”. The markings referred to Trump’s two presidential terms. The IOC said at the time that it had been in contact with FIFA. It also said FIFA was supporting sports recovery efforts in Gaza.
The programme was described as involving sports facilities, education and elite development.
FIFA’s Peace Prize
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has continued. In December, FIFA awarded Trump its first peace prize. Infantino praised the US president’s efforts to promote peace and unity.
Trump has also spoken publicly about his relationship with the FIFA chief. During the World Cup in North America, he said he had contacted Infantino over the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun.
The suspension had followed a red card.
IOC Stands by Its Position
The IOC’s latest decision does not amount to an endorsement of Infantino’s political conduct. Instead, the committee said the complaint was outside its authority. The Olympic Charter requires IOC members to act independently of political and commercial interests.
But the IOC said international federations retain independence in their own governance. The decision leaves the political neutrality debate centred on FIFA and its leadership.
For now, no action has been taken by the IOC against Infantino over the complaint.
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