FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Sunday he received a call from President Donald Trump about the Folarin Balogun case, while insisting FIFA’s disciplinary bodies decide cases independently.
“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,” Infantino said in a statement. He said he told Trump the case would be decided by FIFA’s “competent bodies.”
“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.” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Infantino said he is sometimes surprised by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decisions, sometimes agrees with them and sometimes disagrees — but always respects them and the autonomy of the bodies that make them.
The statement followed widespread criticism of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic red-card ban and allow the USA striker to feature in Monday’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium. Balogun was sent off as the USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32.
U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the decision on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for “reversing a great injustice.” Belgium’s football association said it was “astonished” by the decision and was looking at all possible options.
This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.
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