‘Operate autonomously’: FIFA scrambles to defend independence as Donald Trump confirms Folarin Balogun intervention | Football News

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday that he spoke to US President Donald Trump about Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension but told him the case would be decided only by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.The clarification came after FIFA allowed Balogun to play in the United States’ FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium, a decision that drew criticism and raised questions over whether Trump’s intervention had influenced the outcome.“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. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” Infantino said in a statement posted on FIFA’s X handle.“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. 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. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.”Balogun, the United States’ leading scorer in the tournament with three goals, was sent off after stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic during a 2-0 win in the round of 32 on Wednesday. The red card resulted in an automatic one-match suspension.However, FIFA lifted the suspension on Sunday, making Balogun available for Monday’s round-of-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle. Belgium said it would challenge the decision.The ruling sparked debate among fans and political leaders, with many questioning whether Trump’s call to Infantino had played a role in FIFA’s decision.Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision after the suspension was lifted.“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said Sunday on social media after Balogun’s suspension was lifted.On Monday, Trump defended his decision to contact Infantino, saying he had only pointed out that the referee’s decision against Balogun appeared to be incorrect and deserved another look.A victory 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 football governing bodies. The organisation has regularly suspended member associations in cases where governments have intervened in football administration.