IOC to Avoid Inquiry Into Infantino Over Trump’s Call

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen not to investigate FIFA President Gianni Infantino following a call from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The call concerned the red card issued to USMNT player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.

Initially, Balogun’s red card rendered him ineligible for the next match. FIFA later lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to participate. Trump asserted he requested a review of the red card decision, but FIFA stated the decision was made independently.

President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared at the FIFA World Cup award ceremony following the final match between Spain and Argentina.

The controversy over Balogun’s red card continues, with many believing he never should have received it. Despite controversy and appeals from Belgium, Balogun was reinstated.

A complaint issued by the London-based NGO, FairSquare, sought to address potential ethics violations but was dismissed by the IOC. The IOC’s statement clarified that the complaint related to FIFA’s governance rather than its relationship with the Olympic body.

The IOC emphasized: “The complaint refers to FIFA’s internal decisions and not to its dealings with the IOC.” Hence, the ethics commission found no grounds for investigation.

Regarding the call, Trump commented, “I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. It wasn’t an aggressive act; it was two athletes in a collision. Preventing a top player from playing could stain the match. I merely communicated my perspective but did not dictate actions.”

Despite Balogun’s participation, the U.S. team suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium.