FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he discussed the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun with Donald Trump but insists FIFA’s judicial bodies make decisions independently. Infantino says he told Trump the outcome of Balogun’s red card would be determined by FIFA’s “independent bodies,” and he points to FIFA’s disciplinary processes as the basis for any ruling. Multiple reports describe Infantino downplaying the role of Trump’s involvement after controversy over a decision that overturns Balogun’s suspension.
Infantino, in statements carried by outlets, says FIFA disciplinary bodies evaluate cases using applicable regulations and the specific facts of each matter. The controversy centers on whether external influence affected the disciplinary outcome, with some observers questioning the proximity of the discussion to the ruling. Infantino’s position is that, regardless of any conversation, the disciplinary committee’s judgment is made autonomously under FIFA rules. The reporting agrees that Infantino acknowledges speaking with Trump while maintaining that the decision on Balogun’s red card was not directed by the U.S. president.
