EU Lawmakers Seek Infantino’s Probe over Alleged Political Influence on FIFA
EU lawmakers are calling for a FIFA ethics probe into President Infantino, alleging political pressure from Donald Trump influenced the lifting of Folarin Balogun's ban.
- Seventy-Two Members of the European Parliament urged a formal probe into FIFA President Gianni Infantino yesterday, alleging political pressure from President Donald Trump prompted the reversal of Folarin Balogun's suspension.
- Citing FIFA Statutes and the FIFA Code, the MEPs claim the alleged political influence violates the mandate that 'FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion,' constituting a direct breach of FIFA's principles.
- Writing to 27 European Football Associations, the MEPs urged an inquiry into the decision-making process; FIFA denied presidential interference, asserting the Independent Disciplinary Committee acted within its specific powers.
- Despite the suspension reversal, the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium and exited the tournament after Balogun participated in the round-of-16 match; Trump publicly claimed his involvement prompted the governing body to overturn the suspension.
- MEPs warn this incident establishes a dangerous precedent for future tournament decisions, potentially undermining sporting justice as the controversy fuels broader concerns regarding the independence of sporting organizations from political influence.
43 Articles
43 Articles
FIFA chief Giovanni Infantino is accused of allowing Donald Trump to influence the World Cup. Now investigations are needed into the football federation's political impartiality. But FIFA sets its own rules, and is not accountable to anyone.
A discredited Fifa at the beck and call of a petulant Trump
The international football federation (Fifa), the body responsible for the overall conduct and supervision of the 2026 World Cup, brought the beautiful game into disrepute earlier this week. In an unprecedented move it lifted the automatic ban on US top player Folarin Balogun, after he was red carded and sent off in the US match […]
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Trump's phone call could cost FIFA boss his head
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European Lawmakers Demand Investigation Into FIFA President Over U.S. Red Card Reversal
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 10, 2026. —Carl Recine—Getty ImagesDozens of members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s role in the decision to suspend the red card ban on an American player following a call from President Donald Trump.In a letter to …
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