The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dismissed a complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino by human rights organisation FairSquare over alleged violations of Olympic political neutrality rules.
An IOC spokesperson confirmed that the complaint was reviewed by the IOC Ethics Commission, which concluded that the matter fell outside its jurisdiction.
FairSquare had accused Infantino, who has been an IOC member since 2020, of repeatedly breaching Olympic rules on political neutrality through his public association and alleged support for United States President Donald Trump.
“The IOC Ethics Commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare. The commission noticed that, pursuant to the Olympic Charter, each International Federation maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance. The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” the IOC said.
The Olympic Charter requires IOC members to act independently and avoid influence from commercial or political interests.
The controversy surrounding Infantino’s conduct intensified following his participation in a Board of Peace meeting convened by Trump, where the FIFA president was pictured wearing a cap bearing the inscription “USA” and “45-47”, a reference to Trump’s two presidential terms.
Responding to concerns over Infantino’s involvement, the IOC said it had engaged with FIFA and understood the football governing body’s role in supporting sport development initiatives.
“The IOC has been in contact with FIFA. We understand that FIFA is supporting, through football, a comprehensive sport recovery investment programme in Gaza, Palestine, by providing sporting infrastructure, education and elite development proposals,” the IOC spokesperson said.
The IOC added that such activities were consistent with the responsibilities of international sports federations, noting that the organisation itself continues to support sports development programmes through Olympic Solidarity.
The issue also followed FIFA’s decision to award Trump its inaugural peace prize in December, with Infantino saying the recognition was for “exceptional and extraordinary” actions aimed at promoting peace and unity globally.
During the World Cup hosted in North America, Trump also publicly disclosed that he had contacted Infantino before FIFA lifted a suspension placed on United States striker Folarin Balogun following a red card incident.
The IOC’s decision means Infantino will face no disciplinary action from the Olympic body over the FairSquare complaint, while FIFA’s independence and governance remain under the jurisdiction of football’s own regulatory framework.
