The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of repeatedly violating political neutrality rules through his public support of President Donald Trump.

The complaint, filed by nonprofit advocacy group FairSquare, calls on the IOC to investigate several incidents, including Infantino’s alleged role in lifting a one-match suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. The decision allowed Balogun to play in the Americans’ World Cup round of 16 loss to Belgium on July 6.

Infantino confirmed that Trump called him after the president publicly urged FIFA to make Balogun available for the match. However, the FIFA president denied influencing the disciplinary process, insisting he played no role in the decision to overturn the suspension.

Balogun played as the United States was eliminated 4-1 by Belgium. He received a straight red card in the 64th minute of the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. The United States finished the round of 32 match with 10 players, and Balogun was suspended for the next game.

A red card or suspension cannot be appealed. However, FIFA posted the following statement on its website on July 5 without further explanation regarding its application of the disciplinary rules in the case: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said on the day of the match against Belgium. “And, you know, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled.

“I think they made a really brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible, and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. Nobody talks about the referee’s decision to issue a red card.”

Infantino said FIFA’s judicial committees operate independently in a statement issued on his behalf on FIFA’s website.

“Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” the statement said.

FairSquare’s complaint questions Infantino’s credibility and integrity. Infantino has also been an IOC member since 2020. The organization said he “is obliged to adhere to strict rules on political neutrality in the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics,” adding that the IOC can expel members who fail to meet those obligations.

“As outlined in the FairSquare complaint, there is compelling evidence that Infantino has committed five clear breaches of IOC rules on political neutrality through statements or other clear expressions of support for the U.S. president,” FairSquare said on its website.

One “serious breach” cited in the complaint concerns the Balogun case, with Infantino allegedly yielding to pressure from Trump. Another involves Infantino promoting a FIFA fan site for the 2026 World Cup, “which appears to have been part of a data-harvesting campaign run by entities linked to President Trump,” FairSquare said.

Another alleged breach was Infantino’s supportive post on his Instagram account after attending an event linked to Trump’s presidential inauguration in January 2025.

Infantino also publicly endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025 and made additional supportive comments in November. In December, Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center.

FairSquare also filed a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee in December. That complaint was backed by the Norwegian Football Federation, while 50 members of the European Parliament expressed support in a separate letter dated June 29.

The IOC and FIFA did not respond to requests for comment from multiple media outlets.

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Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty before Pedro Porro capped a flowing team move after halftime as Spain defeated France 2-0 on Tuesday, booking their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago.

The 2010 champions will face either defending champion Argentina or England in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while France will play in the third-place match against the semifinal loser on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal, playing a day after his 19th birthday, once again proved to be Spain’s catalyst. Although an offside decision denied him a goal early in the second half, his relentless pressure and fearless play created the opening goal and set the tone for another composed Spanish performance.

“They were facing the best team in the world,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said.

Midfielder Rodri made clear Spain’s job was not yet complete.

“It was so difficult to get to this moment, but we want more,” he said. “We want to win this World Cup.”

France entered the semifinal as FIFA’s top-ranked team and were seeking to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals after appearances in 2018 and 2022. Instead, Didier Deschamps’ side were outplayed by a Spain team that have emerged as the tournament’s most complete squad.

The victory marked the third consecutive summer that Spain have eliminated France in a major tournament semifinal, following victories at Euro 2024 and last year’s UEFA Nations League.

After beating Belgium in the quarterfinals, Yamal had boldly suggested France should fear Spain. His performance backed up those words.

France midfielder Rayan Cherki admitted his team fell well short.

“In so many ways, France was missing everything today,” he said. “We’ll be back in four years and we won’t make the same mistakes.”

Spain broke through in the 22nd minute after Yamal’s persistence forced a costly mistake from veteran defender Lucas Digne.

Digne miscontrolled a high ball inside the penalty area and, while attempting to recover, kicked Yamal after the teenager had challenged for possession. Referee Iván Barton immediately pointed to the spot, and Oyarzabal calmly drove his penalty beyond Mike Maignan.

The Real Sociedad forward’s fifth goal of the tournament gave France their first deficit of the World Cup and increased his international tally to 30 goals in 60 appearances.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 58th minute with one of the tournament’s finest team goals.

Dani Olmo slipped a perfectly weighted return pass into the path of Porro after being knocked off balance by Dayot Upamecano, allowing the Tottenham defender to finish confidently past Maignan.

“We gave it our all just to reach the final,” Porro said. “We knew we’re a very tough team and we’re doing things really well. This is our team. It’s not about me.”

Moments later, Yamal thought he had added a third after finishing neatly, only for a tight offside call to erase the goal.

France, who had conceded only twice in their previous six matches, never recovered.

Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise struggled to create clear opportunities against Spain’s disciplined defense.

France’s best chance arrived in the 67th minute when Mbappe finally found space inside the box, but Marc Cucurella produced a perfectly timed block that deflected the shot narrowly wide, drawing celebrations from Spain almost as enthusiastically as their two goals.

Spain’s defensive display has become the foundation of their title challenge. Goalkeeper Unai Simón recorded his sixth clean sheet in seven matches, while Spain have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.

The Spanish defense also frustrated France throughout the first half. Alex Baena tested the wall with an early free kick, while Fabián Ruiz was denied after Maignan’s misplaced clearance gifted Spain possession in a dangerous area.

Deschamps introduced Desire Doue shortly before Porro doubled Spain’s lead in an attempt to inject life into the French attack, but the move came too late.

“We had big ambitions, but Spain were better,” Deschamps said. “They defended extremely well, and we never got into the game. We tried everything, but they showed they are at a different level.”

The veteran coach, who is stepping down after 14 years in charge of France, said his players were “devastated” by the defeat.

He also questioned referee Iván Barton’s performance.

“I’ll ask a loaded question and I won’t answer it,” Deschamps said. “Is the referee at the level required to officiate a World Cup semifinal?”

Spain’s victory extended their unbeaten run in regulation to 37 matches since March 2024, surpassing the nation’s previous record and reinforcing the resurgence engineered by De la Fuente.

After disappointing exits in each of the past three World Cups, La Roja have returned to the pinnacle of international football behind a balanced squad featuring veterans such as Rodri and Oyarzabal alongside emerging stars led by Yamal.

“We started almost four years ago with an idea, and we’ve stayed faithful to it,” De la Fuente said. “These players deserve everything. Day after day they’ve shown their commitment, their solidarity, their generosity and their talent. They make the difficult look easy.”

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Muhammad Ali remains the only person honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame whose star is not embedded in the sidewalk, a distinction that reflects the boxing legend’s unwavering commitment to his Islamic faith and one of the most enduring legacies in sports history.

Among the more than 2,850 stars lining Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, Ali’s is the only one mounted on a wall instead of the pavement.

Installed outside the Dolby Theatre, the tribute has become one of the landmark’s most recognizable attractions, with visitors regularly stopping to photograph the unique display.

The unusual placement was made at Ali’s own request.

After converting to Islam in 1964 and adopting the name Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight champion refused to have his name placed where millions of people would walk over it because it shared the name of the Prophet Muhammad.

“I bear the name of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, and I will never allow people to walk over his name,” Ali said, explaining why he wanted his star displayed above ground.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored his request when the star was unveiled on Jan. 11, 2002, making it the only one in Walk of Fame history not installed in the sidewalk.

More than two decades later, it continues to draw crowds, with visitors often lining up outside the Dolby Theatre to take photographs.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on Jan. 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali first captured worldwide attention by winning the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics before turning professional.

Four years later, he stunned the boxing world by defeating Sonny Liston to become heavyweight champion and soon afterward announced his conversion to Islam, adopting the name Muhammad Ali.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Ali became the first boxer to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions.

He first claimed the title in 1964 against Liston, regained it in 1974 by defeating George Foreman in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, and won it again in 1978 after overcoming Leon Spinks in their rematch.

Throughout his remarkable career, Ali successfully defended the heavyweight title 19 times and compiled a professional record of 56 victories, including 37 knockouts, against five defeats in 61 bouts.

His achievements extended well beyond the boxing ring. Ali’s lightning-fast footwork, sharp jab and famous “rope-a-dope” strategy revolutionized heavyweight boxing, while his outspoken positions on civil rights, religious freedom and the Vietnam War made him a global symbol of courage, conviction and social change.

Ali died on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 74 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Yet his influence continues to transcend generations.

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The world’s four highest-ranked teams have reached the World Cup semifinals, underlining the dominance of football’s traditional powers. Yet two of the planet’s biggest nations, China and India, remain absent despite the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. If FIFA eventually increases the field to 64 nations, other populous countries may finally have a realistic path to football’s biggest stage.

Home to a combined 2.89 billion people, China and India boast millions of passionate football fans, but neither has established itself on the global stage. China has qualified for the men’s World Cup only once, in 2002, when it lost all three group-stage matches without scoring a goal. Despite years of heavy investment in the sport, the country’s domestic league has struggled to sustain its growth.

India, where cricket dominates the sporting landscape and field hockey also enjoy widespread popularity, has never qualified for a men’s World Cup. An expanded 64-team tournament could give countries like India and China, along with other emerging football nations, a greater opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.

Population does not translate into footballing success, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered hope that countries such as India and China could reach the 2030 or 2034 World Cup if the tournament expands to 64 teams.

“The whole world must be allowed to dream of the World Cup and not only Europe and South America,” Infantino was quoted as telling Swiss outlet blue Sport on Saturday.

The tournament has only just expanded to 48 teams for this edition. But the sight of debutant Cape Verde reaching the knockout stage and giving defending champion Argentina a scare, along with the Democratic Republic of the Congo impressing in only its second World Cup, has helped counter claims that expanding the field would reduce the tournament’s quality.

Apart from the United States and Brazil, eight of the world’s 10 most populous countries are not at the World Cup, but they soon could be.

In the world’s most populous country, cricket is the unchallenged national sport. The national team’s success and the billion-dollar Indian Premier League command talent, money and attention, often at football’s expense.

Other reasons cited for India’s lack of success in football, despite the sport’s popularity, include poor infrastructure, inadequate talent development and a demanding climate.

India is trying to catch up. Since its launch in 2014, the Indian Super League has sought to professionalize the sport with investment from businesses and the entertainment industry.

But the road to the World Cup remains long. India was eliminated in the second round of qualifying for the 2026 tournament, finishing behind Qatar and Kuwait in its group.

China once again missed out on qualifying for the World Cup. It is ranked 91st in the FIFA rankings.

President Xi Jinping, like many Chinese, is considered a football fan and has set the goal of making China a major football nation. But the sport has made headlines more for match-fixing and corruption than for success on the field.

Observers point to structural problems, saying clubs and leagues cannot develop independently in China, where the Communist Party has built an extensive web of bureaucratic controls over decades.

There is some hope, however. China’s women’s team is ranked 16th in the FIFA rankings.

In the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia, with a population of at least 280 million, football is by far the most popular sport. But the country’s only World Cup appearance came in 1938, when it competed as the Dutch East Indies.

As recently as the 1950s, Indonesia was among Asia’s leading football nations. Political upheaval was followed by decades of mismanagement, corruption allegations and a lack of youth development. Talent development has also been hampered by the country’s geography, with more than 17,000 islands. In 2015, FIFA temporarily suspended Indonesia’s football association after government interference in the domestic league.

Things are improving. The association is investing more heavily in youth development and can also draw on players trained in Europe who have Indonesian heritage, including Kevin Diks of Borussia Mönchengladbach and Maarten Paes of FC Dallas.

Interest in football is also high in Pakistan, which has a population of more than 255 million. Many fans wear Lionel Messi jerseys, and the Lyari district in the port city of Karachi is known as “Mini Brazil” because of its passion for the South American nation.

But the country’s sports infrastructure is geared toward cricket, introduced during British colonial rule. Attempts to establish a professional football league have been ongoing for years.

Disputes, limited funding for youth programs and a lack of quality pitches across the country continue to hinder development.

Pakistan has never qualified for the World Cup, but the country is represented at this tournament. The official match ball, “Trionda,” is manufactured for Adidas in the industrial city of Sialkot.

Nigeria, with a population of about 242 million, is one of Africa’s football powers despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. As in other West African countries, football academies fuel the dreams of many young players hoping to become professionals. But after the Super Eagles failed to qualify again, critics said talent development had been neglected.

Bangladesh is the world’s eighth-most populous country, with nearly 180 million people, but it has never qualified for a men’s World Cup.

Images of thousands of Bangladeshi fans wearing Lionel Messi jerseys and supporting Argentina have gone viral, illustrating the country’s passion for football.

Brazil matches have also brought many streets in Dhaka to a standstill.

Bangladesh’s men’s national team, however, went winless in the second round of World Cup qualifying, scoring one goal and conceding 20 in six matches.

Weak administration, insufficient investment and poor infrastructure are widely cited as the main reasons.

In March, Bangladesh qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup for the first time. The national association celebrated by declaring: “Get ready, Asia. Bangladesh has arrived on the football map!”

Ethiopia, with a population of about 139 million, is known for producing world-class distance runners. In men’s football, however, it ranks among Africa’s weaker nations, sitting 143rd in the FIFA rankings. Armed conflict, security concerns and a lack of quality pitches have slowed development. The national team has even been forced to play home matches abroad in recent years because none of its stadiums met international standards.

Russia, a regular World Cup participant before its suspension, is not competing because FIFA and UEFA have barred Russian national and club teams from international competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The 2018 World Cup host could return in the future if football’s governing bodies follow the International Olympic Committee’s lead and lift the suspension.

A new refereeing protocol has intensified debate over fairness at the FIFA World Cup, with a former FIFA referee saying Monday that another controversial decision involving Argentina has further fueled criticism from fans.

The defending champions’ run to Wednesday’s semifinal against England has been overshadowed by repeated complaints from opponents over officiating decisions, while speculation on social media has claimed the tournament has favored Lionel Messi’s side.

The controversy peaked during Argentina’s quarterfinal victory over Switzerland on Saturday, when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation under the new VAR protocol, a decision Switzerland coach Murat Yakin described as “unacceptable.”

Asked about the latest criticism Monday, FIFA referred Reuters to a July 8 interview with refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina, who dismissed allegations of bias following Argentina’s round-of-16 victory over Egypt.

The mistaken identity protocol is one of several situations in which VAR is allowed to intervene under rules introduced for the 2026-27 season and the World Cup, putting a largely untested measure under intense public scrutiny.

“I don’t think it should have been applied in the first place. It was too broad,” said Christina Unkel, British broadcaster ITV’s rules analyst for the World Cup and a former FIFA referee.

“And where I’m struggling with it is we’re not just changing who gets the card, we’re changing the underlying decision from a free kick going this way to saying, ‘No, no, no, it’s actually a decision completely the opposite way.’ So we’re changing the basis of the decision.

“And to me, that is where we are now officially, I think, in the re-refereeing area that VAR has been fighting to stay out of.”

The fact that the protocol benefited Argentina, whom social media critics have dubbed “VARgentina,” only appeared to fuel the outrage.

“This new expansion of the protocol without testing it, without really knowing that’s what they wanted it to do … it’s just like a powder keg,” Unkel told Reuters. “I’m just waiting for the final lynchpin.”

‘Completely eroded’

The narrative has been building since the group stage, when Algeria called for Messi to be sent off after he stood on the calf of captain Aissa Mandi in the first half. He was not, and went on to score a hat trick.

Days later, Algeria filed a complaint alleging poor refereeing during the match, a source told Reuters.

Controversy surrounding Argentina’s round-of-16 victory over Egypt lingered for days. Egypt scored in the 62nd minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul in the buildup.

Egypt’s appeal for a penalty later in the match was waved away before Argentina scored the winner in the 92nd minute. The Egyptian Football Association said several decisions during the match affected the outcome.

Unkel said nothing in either match stood out to her as poor refereeing, even though officials are often the easiest targets for criticism when results do not go a team’s way.

But she added that off-field issues have contributed to growing fan mistrust.

FIFA’s handling of two World Cup red card cases came under renewed scrutiny this month after U.S. striker Folarin Balogun received a last-minute reprieve from his one-match suspension while England defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match ban.

“I think fan confidence is completely eroded right now,” said Unkel, president of United Soccer League women’s club Tampa Bay Sun FC. “I’ve covered major tournaments in this position and as a referee, and I have never seen this level of chatter, not just on social media.”

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Türkiye’s Mete Gazoz defeated Italy’s Mauro Nespoli in straight sets Sunday to win the recurve men’s gold in the 2026 Archery World Cup in Madrid, adding to their ongoing rivalry and completing Gazoz’s successful World Cup campaign this season.

In a highly anticipated rematch of their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medal contest, won by Gazoz 6-4, both archers brought their best to the Complutense National Stadium.

While Nespoli prevailed over Gazoz at this year’s European Outdoor Championships semifinal, Madrid firmly belonged to the reigning European Champion.

Gazoz managed the gusty conditions with composure, opening with strong ends of 29 and 30 to quickly take the lead. Nespoli faltered in the third end, posting scores of 10, 8, and 7, which left Gazoz with a straightforward path to victory.

The Turkish archer’s final arrow was swept right by a sudden wind gust but landed as a six – enough for a 6-0 shutout and the gold medal.

“I wasn’t expecting that, but I had made a really good decision,” Gazoz told World Archery’s official website after the win. “Everything was great. Just as I was about to make the final shot, the wind hit really hard and pulled the bow to the right. It went for a six. I mean, whatever number of points I need to hit, I’ll hit that one,” he added.

For Gazoz, the win offered redemption against a familiar foe. “I remember the Olympics and also this year’s European Championships. Mauro won the (silver) medal and I lost against him in the semifinal,” he said.

“This time I wanted to win this one, and this year I won one stage. We’ll see in the World Cup Final… I hope it’s the same final,” he added.

He also expressed deep respect for Nespoli’s veteran status. “I love shooting with him because he’s had a really good career. He won the Olympic team silver medal in (Beijing) 2008. I was 9 then,” Gazoz recalled.

“He’s a really big name and I have so much respect for him because of his age and the fact that he can still show such a good performance,” he told World Archery.sport.

The gold in Madrid capped Gazoz’s steady rise throughout the 2026 Archery World Cup. After claiming bronze in Puebla and silver in Shanghai, Gazoz’s disciplined build-up paid off with gold in the season’s final stage.

He attributed this consistent improvement to the Turkish team’s planning under technical director and national team head coach Yusuf Göktuğ Ergin.

“It’s actually everything, not just the technique or just physical strength – it’s everything. It’s about the process,” Gazoz said.

“We’re always preparing for the last competition because the World Championships, Europeans, Olympics, every major competition, is in July or August,” he added.

As Gazoz begins focusing on the upcoming Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, the archery world’s attention shifts to Saltillo, Mexico, which will host the Archery World Cup Final this September.

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