FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face an
ethics complaint before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over
allegations that he breached the principle of political neutrality following
the controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun.
The dispute arose after U.S. President Donald Trump
confirmed that he intervened in FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to feature in
the United States' match against Belgium on Monday despite the forward having
been sent off in the team's previous game.
The unprecedented decision drew widespread criticism
and debate, with Belgium going on to defeat the United States 4-1 in Seattle.
The IOC recognises political neutrality as one of the
fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement. As an IOC member since 2020,
Infantino falls under the jurisdiction of the organisation's Ethics Commission.
London-based sports and human rights organisation
FairSquare announced on Wednesday that it would formally petition the IOC
Ethics Commission to investigate Infantino over what it described as repeated
breaches of political neutrality.
The announcement came a day after IOC President Kirsty
Coventry confirmed that no formal complaint had yet been submitted but stated
that any complaint received would be reviewed in line with the organisation's
procedures.
Speaking during an online press conference on Tuesday,
Coventry said the IOC had been closely monitoring developments surrounding the
Balogun controversy and the reported lobbying efforts by the Trump
administration.
She also acknowledged growing concerns about political
interference in sporting decisions, particularly as the United States prepares
to co-host the FIFA World Cup and stage the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
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