IOC reject complaint against FIFA chief Infantino over ‘political neutrality’

The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint filed by the human rights NGO FairSquare against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for alleged breaches of rules on political neutrality, an IOC spokesperson told AFP on Friday.

The FairSquare complaint alleges that Infantino has “repeatedly breached IOC’s rules on political neutrality by offering his political support for US president Donald Trump”.

“The IOC Ethics Commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare,” the spokesperson told AFP.

“The commission noticed that, pursuant to the Olympic Charter, each International Federation (IF) maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance.

“The complaint falls outside the IOC Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction”.

The oath taken by the Olympic body’s roughly one hundred members — including Infantino — requires them to act “independently of commercial and political interests,” an obligation also enshrined in the Olympic Charter.

In February, the IOC also dismissed an earlier controversy regarding Infantino’s attendance at the first meeting of the Board of Peace convened by Trump, where he wore a red cap emblazoned with “USA” and “45-47” — a reference to Trump’s two terms in office.

“The IOC has been in contact with FIFA,” an IOC spokesperson told AFP in February.

“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.

“This is entirely in keeping with the role of an International Sport Federation. The IOC, through Olympic Solidarity, which is our development vehicle, has been and continues to support sport development in the region.”

FIFA awarded Trump its inaugural peace prize in December, with Infantino saying at the time it was in recognition of the US president’s “exceptional and extraordinary” actions to promote peace and unity around the world.

During the World Cup in North America, Trump boasted of  calling Infantino before FIFA lifted the suspension imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun following a red card.

AFP

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