World Cup: IOC says won't ask FIFA chief to explain Balogun red card controversy

Sport World Cup: IOC says won't ask FIFA chief to explain Balogun red card controversy President Donald J. Trump speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the awards ceremony at the end of the World Cup final   -   Copyright © africanews Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. By Africanews with AP Last updated: 24/07 - 22:14 World Cup 2026 IOC member and FIFA leader Gianni Infantino will not have to explain to the Olympic body how U.S. President Donald Trump helped to stop a player’s ban at the World Cup. The IOC said on Friday it has no jurisdiction to investigate Infantino’s alleged lack of political neutrality. A London-based NGO formally complained this month to the International Olympic Committee ethics commission about Infantino, including his part in ensuring United States forward Folarin Balogun did not serve a mandatory one-game ban despite being sent off in the previous game. The IOC’s Olympic Charter cites neutrality among “fundamental principles of Olympism” for sports bodies like FIFA and its 100-plus members, which has included Infantino since 2020. No formal investigation will be opened, the IOC said, because the complaint by rights group FairSquare did not relate to FIFA’s or Infantino’s specific relations with the Olympic body. The complaint “refers only to (FIFA’s) decisions on its governance and its management, including its relations with government, and to (FIFA’s) implementation of the rules of its sport,” the IOC said in a statement. “Consequently, the complaint falls outside the IOC ethics commission’s jurisdiction,” the statement said. The ethics body does not have independent powers to start investigations and sanction officials, but can make recommendations to the IOC executive board chaired by President Kirsty Coventry. She attended the World Cup final last Sunday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Action has been taken against just one IOC member in the past eight years for unethical conduct: Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, a key power broker who built a reputation as the “kingmaker” of Olympic elections. You may also like 00:51 Kenya’s world record holder Sawe withdraws from Berlin marathon 28/08 - 15:30 00:51 Manchester United sign Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton 26/08 - 07:05 01:18 Ethiopia bids to host Africa Cup of Nations 2028 after 52 years 25/08 - 16:57 Share More About World Cup 2026 Gianni Infantino Donald Trump You may also like 00:51 Kenya’s world record holder Sawe withdraws from Berlin marathon 28/08 - 15:30 00:51 Manchester United sign Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton 26/08 - 07:05 01:18 Ethiopia bids to host Africa Cup of Nations 2028 after 52 years 25/08 - 16:57 On the same subject NEWS 01:11 Iran strikes US bases in Jordan in response to US attack, state TV reports 4 hours ago NEWS 01:12 ICC Chief Tomoko Akane vows to defend court after U.S. sanctions 27/08 - 13:00 SPORT 01:18 Reuters: Continental confederations in talks to oust FIFA boss Infantino 20/08 - 16:33 NEWS 01:41 Liberia agrees to accept up to 1,200 US deportees under Trump migration deal 24/08 - 14:37 BUSINESS 00:58 Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US meets Iran's demands, top negotiator says 18/08 - 15:28 NEWS 00:56 Nigeria’s Muslim and Christian leaders sign new peace accord 14/08 - 11:10 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 8 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 7 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 3 hours ago