‘Acting autonomously’: FIFA tries to defend independence as Donald Trump confirms Folarin Balogun’s intervention

Folarin Balogun (20) fouls Bosnian Tarik Muharemovic (4). Balogun was red carded in the game by US President Donald Trump. (AP) FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Monday that he had spoken to US President Donald Trump about Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, but told him that the case would only be decided by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.The clarification came after FIFA cleared Balogun to play in the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, a decision that drew criticism and raised questions about whether Trump’s intervention affected the outcome.“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They work autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football and this must always be respected,” Infantino said in a statement posted on the FIFA X handle.“Yes, I regularly discuss matters relating to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States of America, and I have had calls from President Donald Trump on this matter, as well as heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different matters. During our conversation, I explained that a legal process involving the competent bodies of FIFA, that the independent judicial bodies and the FI system would make a decision in due course, and that the case would be decided in due course. it’s a principle I will always uphold.”Balogun, the United States’ top scorer at the tournament with three goals, was sent off after clumsily stepping on the right ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic in the 32nd round of Wednesday’s 2-0 win. A red card resulted in an automatic one-match ban.However, FIFA overturned the suspension on Sunday, making Balogun available for Monday’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle. Belgium said it would appeal the decision.The decision sparked debate among fans and political leaders, with many questioning whether Trump’s call to Infantino played a role in FIFA’s decision.Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision to lift the suspension.“Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said this on social media on Sunday after Balogun’s suspension was lifted.Trump defended his decision to contact Infantino on Monday, saying he was merely pointing out that the referee’s decision against Balogun appeared to be wrong and merited further review.A win over Belgium would send the United States into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.FIFA’s statutes prohibit governments from interfering in the affairs of soccer’s governing bodies. The organization regularly suspended member associations in cases where governments intervened in the administration of football.