FIFA Chief Dragged Into Ethics Scandal After Trump’s Balogun Influence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face an ethics complaint after allegations that political influence played a role in the controversial decision to allow United States forward Folarin Balogun feature against Belgium despite serving a red card suspension.
The complaint will be filed by London-based sports and human rights organisation FairSquare, which accused Infantino of breaching the principle of political neutrality by allegedly yielding to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump recently claimed he intervened in FIFA’s decision, saying his administration helped secure Balogun’s eligibility for the match.
The move sparked widespread criticism and renewed concerns over political interference in football administration.
Belgium capitalised on the controversy, defeating the United States 4-1 in Seattle.
FairSquare said it would petition the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Ethics Commission to investigate Infantino, arguing that his conduct could violate the IOC’s code of ethics.
The FIFA president has been an IOC member since 2020 and is expected to uphold the Olympic movement’s commitment to political neutrality.
The planned complaint comes shortly after IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the organisation had been monitoring the situation closely.
While confirming that no formal petition had yet been received, she stated that any complaint submitted would be assessed in accordance with IOC procedures.
Coventry also acknowledged growing concerns over reports that the Trump administration lobbied FIFA on a decision directly affecting play on the field, raising fresh questions about the independence of global sports governance.
The controversy has intensified debate over the influence of politics in international football at a time when the United States is preparing to host several major sporting events, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Should the IOC proceed with an investigation, Infantino could face further scrutiny over FIFA’s adherence to ethical standards and its commitment to keeping political interests out of the game.
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