The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of repeatedly violating political neutrality rules through his public support of President Donald Trump.
The complaint, filed by nonprofit advocacy group FairSquare, calls on the IOC to investigate several incidents, including Infantino's alleged role in lifting a one-match suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. The decision allowed Balogun to play in the Americans' World Cup round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6.
Infantino confirmed that Trump called him after the president publicly urged FIFA to make Balogun available for the match. However, the FIFA president denied influencing the disciplinary process, insisting he played no role in the decision to overturn the suspension.
Balogun played as the United States was eliminated 4-1 by Belgium. He received a straight red card in the 64th minute of the Americans' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. The United States finished the round of 32 match with 10 players, and Balogun was suspended for the next game.
Folarin Balogun of the U.S. (R) is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, U.S., July 1, 2026. (Reuters Photo)
