IOC won’t pursue its member Infantino over FIFA red-card ruling at World Cup

Gianni Infantino, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and leader of FIFA, will not be required to explain his actions regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement in preventing a player’s ban at the World Cup. The IOC announced it lacks the authority to investigate Infantino’s alleged political bias. A complaint was filed by the NGO FairSquare, accusing Infantino of helping U.S. player Folarin Balogun avoid a suspension. However, the IOC stated that the complaint pertains to FIFA’s governance and not its relationship with the Olympic body, thus falling outside its jurisdiction. The IOC ethics commission can only make recommendations and does not have the power to initiate investigations independently. In the past eight years, only one IOC member has faced action for unethical behavior. QUESTION: Why do you think maintaining political neutrality is important for international sports organizations like FIFA and the IOC?