New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided not to investigate FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his role in the controversial change of United States player Folarin Balogun’s suspension from the World Cup following the intervention of the US President. Donald Trump.The decision comes after London-based human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with the IOC Ethics Commission earlier this month, alleging Infantino breached the Olympic team’s neutrality policy by helping Balogun escape a one-game ban following his red card in Bosnia-Herzegovina.However, the IOC said on Friday that it does not have the authority to investigate the matter because the complaint relates to FIFA’s administration and football rules and not Infantino’s status as an IOC member.In a statement, the Olympic Committee said the complaint “refers only to (FIFA)’s governance and management, including its relationship with the government, and (FIFA’s) compliance with the rules of the game.”“Furthermore, the complaint is outside the scope of the IOC ethics commission,” he said.The IOC’s Ethics Commission can only look into issues related to the role of the chief executive of the Olympic Movement and has no independent powers to initiate investigations outside of its mandate. Any recommendations they make are presented to the IOC Executive Board, chaired by President Kirsty Coventry.
File Photo: Referee Raphael Claus of Brazil shows a red card to Folarin Balogun of the United States. (AP Photo)
The Balogun controversy is triggering scrutiny
The controversy began after Balogun was shown a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, an offense which traditionally forces a one-match suspension.Following a phone call from Trump to Infantino, however, FIFA lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to appear in the United States’ crucial World Cup match against Belgium. Trump later described the referee’s actions as a “bad” call and publicly claimed he had persuaded FIFA to review the penalty.Although the United States lost 1-4 to Belgium, the unprecedented decision sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning whether political influence had violated the old rules of the game.Balogun’s decision was the first notable event in the six-decade history of the World Cup where a formal suspension following a red card was not imposed immediately.
Norway will respond to FIFA’s ethics complaint
Although the IOC has distanced itself from the issue, the pressure is still on FIFA.The Norwegian Football Federation has confirmed that its committee will consider the complaint against Infantino at its next meeting, which is expected on August 6.The president of the Federal Federation of Norwegian Lise Klaveness, who also serves on UEFA’s executive committee, is one of the most vocal critics of FIFA’s handling of the case.“We all know that this decision was influenced by external forces and lacked due process,” Mr Klaveness told The Times.“If you bend such a rule, you are on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk,” he added.Klaveness also warned that ignoring the “fundamental rules of the game” threatened the integrity of football.Norway had previously joined FairSquare in submitting its complaint to a FIFA committee alleging that Infantino had breached FIFA’s neutrality policy. The complaint also refers to Infantino’s close relationship with Trump, including making a peace award for the US president during the World Cup in December.FIFA has yet to publish the recommendations of the disciplinary panel that suspended Balogun, and, in line with its practice, has not publicly responded to complaints of misconduct.