FIFA President Infantino defends judicial independence in Balogun red card row, confirms Trump call

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a forceful defense of the world governing body’s independent judicial bodies following a controversial decision to suspend the one‑match ban handed to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun — and confirmed that he received a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the case.

Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ 2‑0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 on July 1, after he caught Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle with a studs‑up challenge. Under Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, a direct red card automatically carries a one‑game suspension. However, on Sunday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee announced that it had provisionally suspended Balogun’s ban for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code — clearing the U.S. top scorer, who has netted three times in this tournament, to face Belgium in Monday’s Round of 16 match.

That decision sparked an immediate outcry from the Belgian FA, which issued a statement saying it was “stunned” by the ruling and noted that it departed from every other red‑card decision at this World Cup, all of which had resulted in automatic suspensions. Belgium’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, quipped at his pre‑match press conference: “I just discovered that July 5 is FIFA’s April Fools’ Day.”

Adding to the controversy was President Trump’s involvement. Reports emerged that Trump had called Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump confirmed the call, saying he “asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” but insisted that “I didn’t tell him what to do.” He called the referee’s original decision “a bad call” and praised FIFA’s reversal as “excellent.”

Facing accusations of political interference, Infantino responded with a detailed statement:

“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.”

On the conversation with Trump, Infantino said: “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.”

Infantino also acknowledged that he does not always agree with the Disciplinary Committee’s rulings: “I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”

UEFA issued a strongly worded statement on Monday condemning FIFA’s decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and without justification,” adding that the ruling “crosses a red line.” UEFA warned: “When the certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed by those who are meant to uphold them, the integrity of the competition is threatened and the credibility of the tournament is undermined.”

The Belgian FA said it is “examining all possible options” to protect its interests and has already lodged a challenge over Balogun’s eligibility. According to FIFA’s ruling, if Balogun commits another offense of a similar nature and severity within the one‑year probationary period, the suspension will be automatically enforced.

The United States has not reached the World Cup quarter‑finals since 2002. Whether Balogun is available against Belgium will determine if the Americans can end that 24‑year wait. The match is set to kick off later Monday in Seattle.