Lausanne (Switzerland), July 15: The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint seeking an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged breaches of political neutrality, including his reported role in the reversal of United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension during the World Cup. The complaint, filed by advocacy group FairSquare, alleges that Infantino violated the IOC’s rules on political neutrality through multiple actions linked to US President Donald Trump.
Balogun had been shown a straight red card. Under FIFA regulations, the suspension was automatic and not subject to appeal. However, FIFA announced on that, “the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”
Infantino acknowledged receiving a phone call from Trump, but denied influencing the outcome. (ANI)
