FIFA president Gianni Infantino has acknowledged that he received a phone call from former US president Donald Trump prior to the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban for a year, but he maintains that FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently. The decision to overturn the red card issued to the USA striker during their group stage match has drawn widespread criticism and fury directed at Infantino.
Infantino Defends FIFA's Independence
In a statement, Infantino responded to the backlash: "I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance. FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected."
Infantino confirmed the call from Trump, stating: "Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues." He added that during the conversation, he explained that an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies would decide the case in due course.
Infantino's Personal Views on the Decision
Infantino admitted that he sometimes disagrees with the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee: "I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times."
Impact on USA's World Cup Campaign
Balogun's red card was originally issued in the group stage, but the suspension was lifted in time for the USA's last-16 clash against Belgium on Tuesday. The decision has sparked outrage, with UEFA releasing a statement slamming FIFA for crossing "a red line." The controversy has cast a shadow over the World Cup, raising questions about political interference in football governance.
