Gianni Infantino has hit back at claims that Donald Trump influenced FIFA's decision to overturn the red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun during their World Cup last 16 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite confirming that he spoke to the US president over the phone while the legal case was ongoing, the Swiss official insists the U-turn was the result of a hearing held by an independent FIFA disciplinary committee.
Trump's Claim of Credit Sparks Controversy
Monaco star Balogun was sent off after putting his country 1-0 up against the Bosnians last Thursday, with VAR intervening to determine that his tackle on Tarik Muharemovic merited a red card offence. But the former Arsenal youngster has now been cleared to play against Belgium in Tuesday morning's quarter final showdown after the red card was overturned.
Trump appeared to claim credit for the reversal during a press conference, where he was thanked by Senator Ted Cruz for 'getting rid of that red card'. Trump smiled and accepted the adulation, admitting he 'didn't even know what a red card' was before the incident.
Widespread Criticism from Football Bodies
FIFA boss Infantino has been widely condemned in football circles for his collusion with Trump. UEFA and the Belgian FA have both launched stinging statements calling FIFA's integrity into question, while iconic Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has urged Infantino and Trump to keep their noses out of a game they know precious little about.
As the criticism continues to pile on his organisation, FIFA president Infantino has gone on the defensive. In a statement, he said: “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's Defense of FIFA's Processes
“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.
“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.
“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.”
