Gianni Infantino: IOC ethics complaint over Trump lobbying has shaken the football world as FIFA faces fresh accusations of bending its own rules. The controversy began when FIFA overturned a one-match suspension for US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium after a red card in the previous round. The decision came shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed he had personally lobbied Infantino.
On Wednesday, the London-based group FairSquare announced it would refer Gianni Infantino to the IOC Ethics Commission over alleged breaches of political neutrality. FairSquare argues that Infantino violated Olympic principles by appearing to respond to political pressure from the Trump administration. Infantino has been an IOC member since 2020, making him subject to its conduct rules. IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the committee would examine the complaint if filed, acknowledging the growing row.
The Gianni Infantino controversy intensified after Trump publicly celebrated the suspension reversal, saying he had persuaded FIFA to act. Critics see this as proof that Infantino’s ties to Trump, who met with the FIFA chief multiple times before the 2026 World Cup, compromise football’s independence. The FIFA president also gave Trump a trophy during the World Cup draw, raising eyebrows among officials.
The ethics complaint against Gianni Infantino is the latest in a series of accusations that the FIFA leader is too close to political figures. Whether the IOC investigates or not, the Balogun affair has already raised serious questions about FIFA’s commitment to neutrality. For now, the world is left watching if football’s highest authority will face any consequences.