FairSquare calls for IOC probe into Infantino over Balogun World Cup case

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been asked to investigate FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his alleged involvement in the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension following intervention from United States President Donald Trump.

Advocacy organisation FairSquare has lodged a formal complaint with the IOC, alleging Infantino may have breached political neutrality rules by responding to political pressure during the FIFA World Cup. Infantino has rejected the allegations, insisting FIFA’s independent judicial bodies handled the matter without his influence.

The controversy centres on Balogun, whose eligibility became a major talking point during the tournament after FIFA suspended the implementation of his automatic one-match ban.

Balogun cleared to face Belgium after disciplinary decision

Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

The dismissal automatically carried a one-match suspension, which would ordinarily have ruled the striker out of the Americans’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later suspended the implementation of the ban for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, making Balogun available for selection against Belgium.

The striker started the match, although the United States were eventually knocked out of the tournament following a 4-1 defeat.

Trump confirms contacting Infantino

The decision came under greater scrutiny after Trump confirmed he had personally contacted Infantino to request a review of the incident.

“All I did was ask for a review,”

Trump said, maintaining that Balogun’s tackle did not warrant a red card.

The US president welcomed FIFA’s eventual ruling, describing the original refereeing decision as incorrect, prompting fresh debate over whether political influence had entered football’s disciplinary process during the World Cup.

Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump’s call but said he merely explained that the case was progressing through FIFA’s legal procedures.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent,”

Infantino said, adding that their autonomy was essential to the credibility of football.

The FIFA chief also noted that he frequently speaks with presidents, government officials and other stakeholders on matters relating to the World Cup, while stressing that he neither directs nor interferes with disciplinary decisions.

He added that although he sometimes agreed with rulings and was occasionally surprised by them, he always respected the authority of FIFA’s judicial bodies.

FairSquare raises concerns over political neutrality

In its submission, FairSquare argued that any action taken by Infantino following Trump’s request would undermine sporting integrity and potentially violate the political neutrality obligations attached to his membership of the IOC.

Infantino has served as an IOC member since 2020 and is required to comply with the Olympic Charter and the organisation’s Code of Ethics.

The complaint reportedly includes five examples that FairSquare says demonstrate public support for Trump by the FIFA president, alongside two additional matters it wants the IOC to examine.

Among them is Infantino’s promotion of a World Cup fan platform that the organisation alleges has links to entities connected with Trump.

The complaint also refers to Infantino’s remarks following Trump’s 2025 inauguration, his endorsement of the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize and FIFA’s presentation of its inaugural Peace Prize to Trump during the World Cup draw.

FairSquare argues that those actions could amount to political endorsements inconsistent with the neutrality expected of senior officials serving both FIFA and the IOC.