FIFA Under Pressure as Lawmakers Seek Probe Into Balogun Ban Decision

FIFA Under Pressure as Lawmakers Seek Probe Into Balogun Ban Decision
Balogun’s suspended ban sparked allegations of political interference.
Infantino insists FIFA’s disciplinary process remains independent.

More than 70 members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over concerns that football’s governing body may have breached its principle of political neutrality.

The lawmakers’ demand follows growing controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to suspend the one match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun ahead of his country’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Balogun had been ruled out of the knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.

However, FIFA later suspended the ban for 12 months after United States President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Infantino and requested that the dismissal be reviewed.

Trump, who maintains a close relationship with the FIF

A president, publicly described Balogun’s red card as “a great injustice” and confirmed that he had asked Infantino to intervene in the matter.

The decision sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning whether political influence had affected FIFA’s disciplinary process.

Belgium lodged a formal challenge against the ruling before the match, but FIFA rejected the appeal.

Despite Balogun’s availability, the decision had little impact on the outcome, as Belgium secured a convincing 4-1 victory to eliminate the tournament co-hosts from the competition.

Although the United States has exited the World Cup, controversy surrounding FIFA’s handling of the case has continued to intensify, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.

Responding to the criticism, Infantino insisted that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and are not influenced by political considerations.

“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.

FIFA Under Pressure as Lawmakers Seek Probe Into Balogun Ban Decision

“During our conversation (with President Trump), 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 said.