White House Intervention Sparks Strong Reaction: Official Complaint Filed Against Gianni Infantino

FairSquare alleges that Infantino, who became an IOC member in 2020, has repeatedly violated the Olympic Charter and the IOC's Code of Ethics. The most recent instance cited is his handling of the Folarin Balogun case. The American striker's one-match ban for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the ongoing World Cup's round of 16 was overturned, with a one-year probation period.

This incident followed a phone call between Trump and Infantino, with the former US President since confirming he indeed suggested overturning the ban. According to British media, the key decision in this matter was made by disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad Al Kamali, despite him not having exclusively ruled on any previously published disciplinary cases. Infantino, however, maintains FIFA's independence.

While FIFA issued a statement regarding the overturned ban, it failed to adequately explain the reasoning behind it. FairSquare's complaint highlights five clear violations of the IOC's rules on political neutrality, along with prima facie evidence of two additional serious breaches, including the handling of Balogun's case.

The Norwegian Football Federation has contacted FIFA's ethics committee regarding the assessment of FairSquare's complaint. Fifty members of the European Parliament have also reached out to the same committee, requesting that the complaint be addressed. FIFA and the IOC have yet to comment to DPA.