European Lawmakers Demand FIFA Investigation Over Balogun Ban Controversy

More than 70 members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino over concerns that football’s governing body may have breached its principle of political neutrality.

The move follows growing controversy over FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban before the United States’ World Cup last-16 defeat to Belgium.

Balogun had been set to miss the knockout tie after receiving a straight red card in the USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.

Naija News reports that the suspension was lifted after US President Donald Trump contacted Infantino and requested that the dismissal be reviewed. FIFA later suspended Balogun’s ban for 12 months, triggering widespread criticism after Trump publicly confirmed his involvement.

The US president, who has a close relationship with Infantino, described Balogun’s sending-off as “a great injustice” and admitted he had asked the FIFA chief to look into the case.

Belgium challenged the decision before the match, but FIFA rejected the appeal. The ruling had little effect on the result, with Belgium cruising to a 4-1 win to eliminate the tournament co-hosts.

Despite the USA’s exit, scrutiny over FIFA’s handling of the case has continued to intensify.

Responding to the criticism, Infantino insisted FIFA’s disciplinary process remained independent and free from political influence.

He said: “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.

“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.”