FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke out on Monday regarding the suspension of USMNT player Folarin Balogun, who has now been cleared to participate in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. This news, unexpected for many, has stirred discussions around the World Cup.
Infantino detailed how the decision unfolded and mentioned a phone call with President Trump. According to Infantino, Trump requested a review of the red card decision during their conversation in the Oval Office, but he made it clear he didn’t direct him on how to proceed.
In a statement, Infantino emphasized the importance of FIFA’s governance principles following public reactions to the Independent FIFA Disciplinary Commission’s ruling on Balogun’s suspension.
“The FIFA Judiciary operates independently, autonomously applying the FIFA Disciplinary Code based on relevant regulations and the specific circumstances of each case. Respect for this independence is crucial for the credibility and integrity of football,” he stated.
He continued, “Yes, I talk about World Cup matters with the U.S. President, but I often field calls from various leaders, officials, and business executives globally. During my call with Trump, I reiterated that the situation involves FIFA’s independent judicial process, and the appropriate authority will make the final decision. I firmly believe in the integrity of FIFA’s system.”
Balogun received a controversial red card during the USMNT’s recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led to an automatic one-match suspension after a VAR review.
Under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Law, the judicial body has the option to suspend disciplinary measures, and Balogun was placed on a one-year trial period following the ruling.
The response from Belgium has been sharp, with coach Rudi Garcia comparing the decision to an April Fool’s Day prank. Belgium’s football governing body has since launched an appeal, alleging that Balogun’s actions crossed a line.
In further developments, U.S. Soccer has reportedly considered legal action against FIFA, claiming misapplication of the VAR process and indicating intentions to escalate the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
U.S. Soccer contended that slow-motion replays should not influence the assessment of a foul’s intent or severity according to VAR guidelines.
“I reviewed the FIFA disciplinary committee’s decision once it was announced,” Infantino remarked. “Their decisions can be surprising; I sometimes agree or disagree. Regardless, I respect the autonomy of those decisions and the institutions behind them. Maintaining respect for independent entities and the rule of law is essential to safeguard the integrity of competition and FIFA’s credibility.”
