FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday he had spoken to the U.S. president Donald Trump Regarding Folarin Balogun’s red card ban, but told him the case would be decided solely by FIFA’s independent judicial body.The clarification comes after FIFA allowed Balogun to play in the United States. fifa world cup The decision drew criticism during the last-16 tie against Belgium and raised questions about whether Trump’s intervention affected the outcome.“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code and adjudicate cases on the basis of the applicable regulations and the specific facts. Their independence is vital to the credibility and integrity of football and this must always be respected. Infantino said in a statement posted on the FIFA X account.“Yes, I regularly discuss issues related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and in 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 legal proceedings involving FIFA’s independent judicial body are ongoing and that the case will be decided by the adjudicating body in due course. This is how the FIFA system works, and this is the principle I will always adhere to. “Balogun, the tournament’s leading scorer with three goals as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32 on Wednesday, was sent off for awkwardly stepping on the right ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic. A red card results in an automatic one-game suspension.However, FIFA lifted the ban on Sunday, allowing Balogun to play in Monday’s last-16 tie against Belgium in Seattle. Belgium said it would challenge the decision.The ruling sparked debate among fans and political leaders, with many questioning whether Trump’s call for Infantino played a role in FIFA’s decision.Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision to lift the ban.“Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a huge injustice!” Trump said on social media on Sunday after Balogun’s suspension was lifted.On Monday, Trump defended his decision to contact Infantino, saying he was simply pointing out that the referee’s decision on Balogun appeared to be incorrect and deserved a review.Defeating Belgium would advance the United States to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.FIFA’s statutes prohibit government interference in the affairs of football’s governing body. The organization regularly suspends the activities of its member associations if the government interferes with football governance.
