FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body's decision-making process after admitting he received a call from US President Donald Trump during the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspension.
Balogun Cleared to Play After Red Card
Balogun was cleared to play in the United States' World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium on Tuesday (1am UK time) after FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee suspended the automatic one-match ban that followed his red card against Bosnia, prompting criticism from across football and accusations of preferential treatment for one of the tournament hosts.
The controversy intensified after Trump publicly claimed he had spoken to Infantino about the case, fuelling speculation over whether political pressure had influenced FIFA's decision. Belgium have appealed the decision and hit out at FIFA, with formal legal action a possibility.
Infantino's Statement on Judicial Independence
Infantino has now addressed those claims in a lengthy statement, insisting FIFA's judicial bodies remain completely independent and denying that outside influence played any role in the outcome. He also revealed he regularly speaks to other heads of state about football issues, as it separately emerged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intervened to prevent FIFA bringing forward kick-off at the Estadio Azteca amid concerns the change could give World Cup co-hosts Mexico an unfair advantage over England.
The Press Association report the UK Government stepped in through diplomatic channels to oppose moving the match from 1am to 7pm BST because it would mean Thomas Tuchel’s team had less time to adapt to the altitude. Starmer directed the intervention after being alerted to the potential problem by the Football Association, which is understood to have contacted Downing Street before the game.
Infantino on Trump Call
Addressing the Balogun issue, Infantino 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."
The FIFA president confirmed he had spoken directly with Trump as questions swirled over Balogun's availability but insisted he made clear the case would be decided independently. "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."
Infantino Admits Disagreements but Defends Autonomy
Infantino also admitted he does not always agree with decisions reached by FIFA's disciplinary authorities but stressed their autonomy must be protected regardless of public opinion. "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."
The statement is FIFA's clearest response yet to the backlash surrounding Balogun's case, with critics questioning why the United States forward is allowed to feature after his dismissal.
