Dozens of European politicians are pushing to launch an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his role in overturning a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. Balogun was sent off in the US victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, which would normally have made him ineligible for the next match. However, FIFA lifted his suspension for the subsequent game against Belgium after former US President Donald Trump intervened with Infantino on behalf of the 25-year-old player.
European Parliament members Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang condemned FIFA's decision, stating in a joint statement that changing the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is "a disgrace and a perversion of justice." They further accused Infantino and FIFA of yielding to political pressure, saying, "Once again, we've seen Infantino and FIFA surrender to the demands of the Trump administration."
The politicians emphasized that sport should be governed by impartial and transparent rules, warning that allowing political influence to determine player eligibility undermines fairness. So far, 35 colleagues have signed a letter calling for the investigation.
Loading comments.