Infantino faces IOC ethics complaint over political neutrality breaches

The human‑rights group FairSquare has lodged a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accusing FIFA president Gianni Infantino of five violations of the IOC’s political‑neutrality rules. The complaint cites Infantino’s repeated public support for U.S. President Donald Trump, including a phone call from Trump that led to the reversal of a one‑match ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, promotion of a fan site linked to the Trump administration, and other instances that FairSquare says compromise the Olympic Charter.

FairSquare’s statement says, "Gianni Infantino repeatedly violated the IOC's political neutrality rules by offering his political support to US President Donald Trump." IOC President Kirsty Coventry has confirmed the ethics commission will review the case.

The controversy has sparked wider dissent within football. The German Football Association (DFB) has refused to sign a letter backing Infantino’s re‑election, and several European federations are reportedly considering alternative candidates for the 2027 FIFA presidential election. The growing pressure comes as Infantino seeks a third term, while the IOC investigation adds a new layer of scrutiny to his leadership.