The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint filed against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over alleged breaches of political neutrality rules.
The complaint was filed by human rights organisation FairSquare, which accused Infantino of repeatedly violating the IOC’s rules on political neutrality by allegedly offering political support to United States President Donald Trump.
An IOC spokesperson said on Friday that the IOC Ethics Commission had reviewed the complaint and concluded that it was outside its jurisdiction.
“The IOC Ethics Commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare,” the spokesperson said.
According to the IOC, the commission noted that under the Olympic Charter, each international federation maintains independence and autonomy in its own governance.
“The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson added.
Infantino is among the roughly 100 members of the Olympic body whose oath requires them to act independently of commercial and political interests, a principle also contained in the Olympic Charter.
The latest complaint follows earlier scrutiny of Infantino’s relationship with Trump. In February, the IOC dismissed controversy over Infantino’s attendance at the first meeting of the Board of Peace convened by Trump, where he wore a red cap marked “USA” and “45-47,” a reference to Trump’s two terms in office.
At the time, the IOC said it had been in contact with FIFA and understood that the football body was supporting a sport recovery investment programme in Gaza, Palestine, through football infrastructure, education and elite development initiatives.
The IOC said such support was consistent with the role of an international sports federation, adding that it had also continued to support sport development in the region through Olympic Solidarity.
FIFA also awarded Trump its inaugural peace prize in December, with Infantino saying the recognition was for what he described as the US President’s “exceptional and extraordinary” actions to promote peace and unity around the world.
During the World Cup in North America, Trump also claimed he had called Infantino before FIFA lifted the suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun following a red card.
The IOC’s decision means the FairSquare complaint will not proceed before the Olympic body’s Ethics Commission.
The post “IOC Rejects Complaint Against FIFA Chief Infantino” — Says Alleged Political Neutrality Breach Over Trump Support Is Outside Its Jurisdiction appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.