06.07.2026 19:40
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a statement regarding the controversy over the suspension of US National Team player Folarin Balogun's red card, emphasizing the independence of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Infantino stated that Trump did not interfere in the disciplinary process, and expressed that everyone must respect the decisions of FIFA's judicial bodies.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the suspension of American footballer Folarin Balogun's red card penalty.
"FIFA'S JUDICIAL BODIES ARE INDEPENDENT"
Emphasizing that the decision was made by the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Infantino said, "FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. These bodies operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and render their decisions based on the applicable regulations and the specific circumstances of the cases before them. This independence is vital for the credibility and integrity of football, and it must always be respected."
"TRUMP INTERVENTION IS NOT AN ISSUE"
Confirming that US President Donald Trump called him, Infantino stated, "I regularly discuss World Cup-related matters with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Regarding this issue, I also received a call from President Trump. This was one of many calls I receive from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders, and business representatives around the world on various topics. During our conversation, I explained to him that there is an ongoing legal process before FIFA's independent judicial bodies, and that the case will be decided by the competent authorities when the time comes. This is how FIFA operates, and it is a fundamental principle I will always defend."
"FIFA DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE'S DECISIONS SOMETIMES SURPRISE ME"
Stressing that everyone must respect the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Infantino said, "I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are published. Sometimes these decisions surprise me. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I do not. But what I always do is respect those decisions and the independence 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 the fundamental element that preserves the integrity of our tournaments and the credibility that FIFA has always maintained."