Dozens of European Parliament lawmakers are advocating for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The inquiry would focus on his involvement in the decision to allow U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to participate in a match despite having received a red card previously.
Balogun was issued a red card during the U.S. victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup on July 1. Typically, this would render a player ineligible for the subsequent game. However, FIFA lifted his suspension for a match after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly intervened with Infantino on behalf of the striker.
Concerns over integrity and political influence
Lawmakers Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang issued a joint statement, characterizing FIFA‘s decision to alter red card suspension rules mid-tournament as a “disgrace and a perversion of justice.” They asserted that Infantino and FIFA had once again yielded to the demands of the Trump administration.
The lawmakers are urging national football associations within EU countries to prompt the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino. They aim to determine if pressure from the Trump administration influenced the lifting of the suspension, as well as to examine “other potential breaches of political neutrality,” such as the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump.
FIFA has maintained that the decision to lift the suspension was made by a disciplinary committee. The lawmakers noted that 35 colleagues have endorsed their letter.
They emphasized that the essence of sport lies in impartial and transparent rules. They believe that when Infantino permits political pressure to dictate player eligibility, the principle of fairness is compromised.
Unprecedented reversal and broader implications
The last-minute decision by FIFA to overturn the one-game suspension for the U.S. national team‘s leading scorer, following President Donald Trump‘s public involvement, has drawn significant attention. This event has once again highlighted issues within soccer’s governing body, shifting focus from the sport itself to questions of controversial decisions and political pressure.
The disciplinary committee’s action to reverse Balogun‘s automatic one-match suspension after Trump‘s intervention with Infantino allowed Balogun to play in the United States‘ knockout-stage match against Belgium. This reversal has been described as extraordinary and a cause for concern among soccer fans.
From the Oval Office, Trump reportedly politicized the incident, publicly criticizing the referee and escalating the controversy. He stated that if the U.S. team lost without its full squad, he would consider it “rigged.”
Despite the controversy, Belgium defeated the United States 4–1, ending the host nation’s progression in the tournament. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) strongly condemned FIFA‘s decision, stating that FIFA had “crossed a red line” by interfering with a disciplinary decision that should have adhered to established rules.
UEFA characterized the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that it could undermine the integrity of the tournament by encouraging similar demands in future disciplinary cases. This incident has raised concerns that if FIFA is willing to overturn an automatic red-card suspension, it could lead to accusations of political interference in every disputed decision, especially in a World Cup already marked by inconsistent refereeing and perceived favouritism.
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has been highlighted as a factor in understanding the political influence within this World Cup. Infantino was observed alongside Trump at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh in October 2025. Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, often referring to him as his “football friend,” a bond strengthened through preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World – to Trump by Infantino in December 2025, which included a gold-plated trophy, certificate, and commemorative medal, drew widespread criticism. Reports indicated that the award was announced without prior board approval, leading to speculation that it was a “consolation prize” after Trump did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
This incident brings to mind the controversial awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar, a decision that led to investigations and exposed systemic issues, including allegations of bribes and corruption involving FIFA executive committee members. While that controversy occurred under former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, questions about FIFA‘s transparency persist.
Infantino has also faced scrutiny regarding his use of a private jet operated by a Qatar Airways executive during the 2026 World Cup, with critics pointing to the significant carbon footprint in contrast to FIFA‘s sustainability commitments. As the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals approach, France is considered a favourite to win the trophy, followed by Spain, reigning champions Argentina, and England.
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Source: theglobeandmail.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
