**IOC Rejects Human Rights Group’s Complaint Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino**
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint lodged by the human rights organization FairSquare against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that the issue falls outside the jurisdiction of its Ethics Commission. This decision was communicated by an IOC spokesperson on July 24, 2026.
FairSquare submitted its complaint on July 14, alleging that Infantino had repeatedly violated the IOC's political neutrality rules by expressing support for former U.S. President Donald Trump. The organization claims that Infantino's actions contravene the principles established in the IOC Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining political neutrality within the realm of sports.
The IOC's Ethics Commission conducted a thorough review of FairSquare's allegations. According to the spokesperson, the commission determined that the complaint primarily pertains to FIFA's governance decisions and its management practices, including its relationships with governmental entities. These matters, the IOC stated, fall outside the scope of the IOC Code of Ethics, leading to the rejection of FairSquare's complaint.
In its ongoing campaign against perceived ethical breaches within FIFA, FairSquare has indicated plans to escalate its efforts, including filing a complaint with FIFA's Ethics Committee regarding Infantino's conduct. This follows a previous complaint made by the organization last year, which also highlighted Infantino's public endorsements of Trump’s policies and actions.
Infantino, who has been an IOC member since 2020, has faced scrutiny for his public appearances alongside Trump, particularly during the recent World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. One notable incident occurred on July 19, when Trump and Infantino appeared together at the World Cup final trophy presentation ceremony, prompting a mixed reaction from the crowd, including boos directed at Trump.
During the tournament, Trump reportedly contacted Infantino to discuss a controversial red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although Balogun was initially suspended for a subsequent game against Belgium, he was permitted to play in the match, which the U.S. lost 4-1.
In December, Trump was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to foster dialogue and de-escalation in various global conflict zones. This accolade has further fueled discussions surrounding Infantino's relationship with the former president and the implications of such associations for FIFA's governance.
As the situation develops, FairSquare remains committed to advocating for ethical standards in sports governance and plans to pursue further actions against Infantino and FIFA. The IOC's decision highlights the complexities involved in navigating the intersection of sports, politics, and human rights, as organizations seek to uphold their ethical commitments while addressing external pressures and controversies.