Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support to launch an investigation in the European Parliament of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over his involvement in the decision to permit U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card.
The move comes after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump called Infantino directly to discuss the suspension, which was later lifted by FIFA.
What Happened with Balogun's Red Card
Balogun was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1. Under normal FIFA rules, this would have made him ineligible to play in the team's next game. However, FIFA lifted his suspension for a match on Monday after Trump intervened with Infantino on behalf of the 25-year-old striker.
According to The Athletic, Trump's call to Infantino sparked a huge World Cup controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the decision.
European Lawmakers React Strongly
European Parliament lawmakers Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters and Niels Fuglsang said in a joint statement that FIFA's decision to "change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is a disgrace and a perversion of justice."
"FIFA's decision to change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is a disgrace and a perversion of justice." — Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters and Niels Fuglsang via The Athletic
The lawmakers are now rallying support among their colleagues to formally launch a probe into Infantino's conduct. They argue that the phone call from Trump and the subsequent rule change raises serious questions about FIFA's independence and integrity.
Infantino Admits the Call
Infantino admitted he received a phone call from Trump regarding the matter but firmly hit back at critics, insisting that FIFA's governance procedures were followed correctly.
According to Instagram, Infantino defended the decision, saying the organization acted within its rules. However, the European lawmakers remain unconvinced and are pushing for a full investigation.
Our Take: A Test for FIFA's Credibility
This situation puts FIFA in a difficult position. When a world leader can call the head of football's governing body and get a suspension overturned, it raises serious questions about fairness. The European Parliament's push for a probe is understandable — sports organizations must be seen as independent, not influenced by political power.
To put it plainly, if the rules can be changed for one player because of a phone call, then the rules don't mean much. The lawmakers are right to demand answers. FIFA needs to show that it operates above political pressure, not at the mercy of it.
