The Federation of International Football Association, President Gianni Infantino on Monday defended the independence of FIFA’s judiciary after criticism over the lifting of Folarin Balogun’s suspension.
The controversy was sequel to Donald Trump’s admission that he had appealed to Infantino to review the U.S. striker’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The move drew backlash from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who questioned the decision’s credibility.
Balogun’s one-match ban was overturned, making him eligible for the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.
Infantino acknowledged speaking with Trump but maintained that FIFA’s disciplinary decisions are taken solely by its independent judicial bodies, without interference from the organisation’s political leadership.
“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance,” Infantino said.
He emphasized that FIFA’s judicial bodies “operate independently, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code and determine cases solely on the basis of the applicable regulations and the facts before them,” describing judicial autonomy as a fundamental principle of the organisation’s governance.
He further explained that although he regularly engages with heads of state, government officials and football stakeholders on matters concerning the World Cup, such interactions have no bearing on disciplinary decisions, which, he said, remain the exclusive responsibility of FIFA’s independent judicial committees.
“Yes, I received a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials and football stakeholders from around the world. However, disciplinary matters are decided exclusively by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies,” he said.
Je added that while he may personally agree or disagree with decisions reached by FIFA’s judicial committees, he respects their independence and does not interfere in their work.
Trump had told reporters that he contacted the FIFA president because he believed Balogun had been unfairly punished and deserved to feature in the knockout match.
“He didn’t do anything wrong and he is our best player. When they take your best player and say, ‘You can’t play,’ it’s very unfair,” the U.S. president said.
The decision to overturn the suspension has continued to draw sharp criticism, with UEFA describing the move as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and warning that it risks undermining confidence in the consistent application of football’s disciplinary rules.
