EU lawmakers demand probe into FIFA, Infantino over Balogun suspension

More than 70 European lawmakers have called for an investigation into FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over concerns that the world football governing body may have breached the principle of political neutrality.

The calls follow FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend the one-match ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature in the USA’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Balogun had been due to miss the knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.

However, FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months after US President Donald Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of the decision.

Trump later confirmed that he had personally asked the FIFA president to look into the incident, describing Balogun’s dismissal as “a great injustice.”

Before the match, Belgium appealed FIFA’s decision to reinstate the striker, but the appeal was rejected.

Despite Balogun’s availability, the United States suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium and exited the tournament.

Read Also: La Liga chief slams FIFA’s Balogun decision

The controversy has continued to generate criticism, with European lawmakers now seeking an investigation into whether FIFA’s disciplinary process was influenced by political intervention.

Responding to the criticism, Infantino denied any political interference and insisted FIFA’s judicial process remained independent.

“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 said.

Infantino added that he informed Trump the matter was being handled by FIFA’s disciplinary bodies.

“During our conversation (with President Trump), 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,” he said.

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