FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pushed back strongly against allegations that Donald Trump interfered in the governing body’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card.
Infantino confirmed he spoke to the US president by phone while the legal process was still ongoing, but insists the decision was made entirely by an independent FIFA disciplinary committee.
Monaco striker Balogun was sent off after scoring to put the USA 1-0 up against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup last 16 match last Thursday.
VAR intervened during the game to determine that Balogun’s tackle on Tarik Muharemovic warranted a red card, leaving the USA to play the remainder of the match a man down.
The former Arsenal youngster has since been cleared to feature in Tuesday morning’s quarter-final against Belgium after the red card was successfully overturned on appeal.
Trump stirred significant controversy when he appeared to accept credit for the reversal at a press conference, despite admitting he “didn’t even know what a red card” was before the incident arose.
Senator Ted Cruz thanked Trump at that press conference for “getting rid of that red card,” with the president smiling and accepting the resulting adulation from those present.
UEFA and the Belgian FA have both issued sharp statements questioning FIFA’s integrity, while Jurgen Klopp urged Infantino and Trump to keep their noses out of a game they know precious little about.
Infantino responded directly in a formal statement, saying: “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.”
He acknowledged the phone call but was firm in his explanation, stating: “During our conversation, 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.”
Infantino also addressed the broader question of institutional respect, writing: “Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.”
He concluded his statement with a firm defence of FIFA’s processes, insisting: “Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”
The controversy has cast a significant shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the USA as tournament hosts progressing deep into the competition.
With Belgium now awaiting in the quarter-finals, the spotlight will remain firmly on both the football and the political storm swirling around the United States team’s campaign.
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