February 3 – Gianni Infantino, already being investigated by the Swiss authorities who have opened criminal proceedings against him, has at least won one battle, with a complaint against him dismissed by the International Olympic Committee after being brought by Swiss sports management company Sport 7.
The decision was made by postal vote after the IOC Executive Board reviewed recommendations by its Ethics Commission.
Sport 7 wanted Infantino suspended from the IOC for breaching the Olympic charter.
Philippe Renz, a lawyer and a principal partner at Sport 7, had argued that when it comes to player representation and agency, in particular in relation to the transfer regulations, “the management of FIFA and its President are violating a whole host of provisions protecting sport, its integrity and that of the athletes.”
But the IOC threw out the complaint saying it didn’t have the relevant jurisdiction.
The full IOC statement stated:
“The IOC Ethics Commission noted that the complaint relating to the players’ transfer market is in no way connected with the relations between the IOC and FIFA, but rather with the management of this organisation, which is the exclusive remit of the International Federation.
“Therefore, the complaint regarding FIFA falls outside of the scope of both the IOC and its Ethics Commission.
“With regard to Mr Gianni Infantino, IOC Member and FIFA President:
“Mr Gianni Infantino, in his capacity as an IOC Member since 2020, falls under the scope of application of the IOC Code of Ethics at all times and in all circumstances.
“Concerning the allegations regarding the management of FIFA and in particular the players’ transfer market also made against Mr Gianni Infantino, the IOC Ethics Commission noted that the complaint referred only to a general analysis linked with the management of this International Federation, which is outside the scope of application of the IOC Code of Ethics.
“Therefore, in the absence of evidence of any specific facts of which Mr Gianni Infantino could be personally accused, the IOC Ethics Commission recommended that the complaint shall be rejected.”
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