FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting calls to resign after the governing body suspended a one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun, following a phone call from former President Donald Trump. The decision has sparked widespread outrage, with UEFA accusing FIFA of undermining the integrity of the World Cup.
Balogun's Red Card and Suspension Suspended
Balogun was sent off during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to serve an automatic one-match suspension for the last-16 tie against Belgium. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the punishment had been suspended, clearing the co-hosts' leading goalscorer to play. Trump later celebrated the decision on Truth Social, writing: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice."
FIFA cited article 27 of its disciplinary code, stating that the suspension was deferred for a probationary period of one year. Of the 188 other red cards shown at World Cups, only one other player—Brazil's Garrincha in 1962—escaped a suspension, before automatic bans were in place, in a case later shrouded in allegations of political interference.
Trump's Phone Call and Infantino's Defense
Infantino confirmed he received a call from Trump about the red card, stating: "I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States." He insisted the decision was made by independent judicial bodies and that he respects their autonomy. Trump admitted he asked for a review, saying: "I didn't tell them what to do. I can't tell them what to do."
FIFA's Appeal Committee deemed a request by the Belgian Football Association as "inadmissible," as Belgium is not a party to the proceedings. The Belgian FA expressed astonishment, and Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prevot condemned the decision as a "blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport."
UEFA and Football Figures React
UEFA said FIFA had crossed a "red line," stating: "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake." England manager Thomas Tuchel complained: "Where does it end now?" Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter wrote: "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls." EU sport commissioner Glenn Micallef said decisions "belong to sporting bodies, not politicians."
Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling demanded Infantino resign, calling the situation "an absolute disgrace." He added: "He's the man who came up with the great idea of the FIFA Peace Prize and gave it to his mate, Donald Trump." Former England striker Wayne Rooney called the decision an "absolute disgrace," while Gary Neville said it "absolutely stinks."
Fan Outrage and Calls for Resignation
Lifelong England fan Ray Harada, 67, said: "If Infantino had any sense of shame, he would resign. If FIFA's own rules can be bent after one phone call from Donald Trump, then what is the point of having rules at all?" US-based England fan Patrick Finn, 50, added: "Infantino has embarrassed the game. He should be nowhere near the running of world football after this."
Julie Morley, 35, from Cambridge, told the Mirror: "Supporters spend their lives believing in fair play. Then FIFA appears to rip up its own rulebook because Trump got involved. It is shameful."
Broader Governance Concerns
The row has intensified scrutiny of Infantino's close relationship with Trump. Last year, FIFA created and awarded Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during his unsuccessful campaign to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Weeks later, he began bombing Iran. The Balogun decision is the latest flashpoint between UEFA and FIFA during a tournament already hit by rows over governance and political influence.
FIFA has also faced questions over other disciplinary rulings, including Cristiano Ronaldo being cleared to play despite a red card issued before the tournament. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
