Infantino Says FIFA Acted Independently Despite Trump's Call on Balogun Suspension

Seattle: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of the world football body's judicial system after confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump personally contacted him over the disciplinary case involving American striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun was shown a red card for stamping on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the United States' 2-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on July 1.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee later handed Balogun a one-match suspension but suspended its enforcement for a one-year probation period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The decision allowed the U.S. forward to remain available for Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The ruling sparked strong reactions from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which expressed surprise at the verdict. UEFA also criticised the decision, warning that it had crossed a line and could set an unhealthy precedent for the sport.

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Addressing the controversy, Infantino insisted that FIFA's judicial bodies function independently and are not influenced by outside pressure.

He said the disciplinary committees operate autonomously, apply FIFA's rules impartially and make decisions solely on the basis of regulations and the facts presented in each case. According to him, preserving their independence is essential for maintaining the credibility and integrity of world football.

Infantino also acknowledged receiving a phone call from Trump regarding the Balogun case. He said he regularly speaks with the U.S. President on matters related to the FIFA World Cup and also receives calls from government leaders, football officials and business executives on a wide range of issues.

He added that during the conversation he informed Trump that the matter was being handled through FIFA's independent legal process and would be decided only by the competent judicial bodies.

The FIFA chief further said that while he sometimes agrees with disciplinary decisions and sometimes disagrees, he always respects the autonomy of the committees responsible for delivering them. He stressed that safeguarding independent institutions and the rule of law is crucial to protecting the integrity of FIFA competitions.

Trump had earlier revealed in an interview that he had urged Infantino to review Balogun's red card.

According to football statistics provider Opta, no player has appeared in his country's next FIFA World Cup match after receiving a red card since the yellow and red card system was introduced in 1970. If Balogun plays against Belgium, he will become the first player in World Cup history to do so.

With inputs from IANS