European Parliament members have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the unprecedented decision to overturn the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun during the ongoing World Cup. Balogun, the US team’s top goalscorer, received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, which normally would have resulted in a mandatory suspension for the next game.

This marks the first time in modern World Cup history that a red card has not led to a suspension. The decision to scrap Balogun’s suspension has raised concerns among European lawmakers about possible political pressure influencing FIFA’s ruling, specifically citing intervention from US President Donald Trump.

A group of European Parliament members, including Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang, issued a joint statement condemning FIFA’s mid-tournament rule change on red card suspensions as "a disgrace and a perversion of justice." They further accused Infantino and FIFA of "surrendering to the demands of the Trump administration." So far, 35 parliamentarians have joined their petition calling for a probe into Infantino’s role in the decision.

The initiative to investigate was launched on July 8, as reported by Euronews. The controversy adds to ongoing tensions surrounding the World Cup, including complaints from Egypt’s coach about perceived injustices and FIFA’s condemnation of racist attacks during the tournament.

Sources