Fifa president Gianni Infantino facing formal complaint after Trump phone call over Folarin Balogun ban

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing a formal complaint lodged with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), alleging breaches of political neutrality rules in his dealings with United States President Donald Trump. Human rights organisation FairSquare claims Infantino, who became an IOC member in 2020, has repeatedly violated the Olympic Charter and the IOC’s code of ethics. The most recent incident cited is his handling of the Folarin Balogun affair. The US striker’s one-match ban was controversially suspended by Fifa’s disciplinary committee, enabling him to participate in a World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. This decision followed a phone call between President Trump and Infantino, despite the Swiss official’s insistence that Fifa’s committees operate independently. Reports in The Times indicate that Mohammad Al Kamali, the disciplinary committee chair, made the crucial decision to suspend the ban alone – a departure from previous disciplinary cases where he was never the sole arbiter. Fifa has yet to provide an explanation for the ban’s suspension. Folarin Balogun had his World Cup ban suspended (Getty) FairSquare’s complaint outlines five clear breaches of the IOC’s rules on political neutrality, alongside 'prima facie' evidence of two additional serious breaches, including the Balogun case. The group previously submitted a similar complaint to Fifa’s ethics committee in December, which was acknowledged but received no further information. Last month, the Norwegian football federation wrote to Fifa’s ethics committee requesting consideration of FairSquare’s complaint. Additionally, fifty Members of the European Parliament urged the same committee on June 29 to address the allegations. Both Fifa and the IOC have been approached for comment. The decision to suspend Balogun’s ban faced further criticism in the aftermath of how Fifa handled other disciplinary matters at the World Cup. England defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match ban following his red card in the Three Lions’ 3-2 win over Mexico, meaning he will not be available to play again until the final, should England reach Sunday’s showpiece event. France also attempted to appeal a yellow card given to Michael Olise in their 1-0 win over Paraguay in the round of 16, but this proved unsuccessful. The Bayern Munich winger managed to avoid a booking in France’s quarter-final win against Morocco, meaning he is available to play against Spain in the semi-final on Tuesday.