The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint filed by human rights organisation FairSquare against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, ruling that the matter falls outside its jurisdiction.
FairSquare had accused Infantino of violating IOC rules on political neutrality by allegedly showing political support for US President Donald Trump.
An IOC spokesperson said the Ethics Commission had thoroughly reviewed the complaint before concluding that it could not act on the matter.
“The commission noticed that, pursuant to the Olympic Charter, each International Federation maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance. The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said.
Infantino, who became an IOC member in 2020, is bound by the Olympic Charter, which requires members to act independently of political and commercial interests.
The complaint follows previous scrutiny over Infantino’s attendance at a Board of Peace meeting hosted by Trump, where he wore a cap bearing the inscription “USA” and “45-47”, a reference to Trump’s two presidential terms.
Responding to that controversy, the IOC said it had been in contact with FIFA and noted that the football governing body was supporting a broad sports recovery programme in Gaza through investment in sporting infrastructure, education and elite development.
According to the IOC, the initiative aligns with the responsibilities of an international sports federation. It added that Olympic Solidarity, its development arm, has also continued to support sports development in the region.
In December, FIFA presented Trump with its inaugural Peace Prize, with Infantino saying the award recognised his “exceptional and extraordinary” efforts to promote peace and unity around the world.
During the FIFA World Cup in North America, Trump also revealed that he had spoken with Infantino before FIFA lifted the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun following his red card.
