On Wednesday (July 8), local time, 72 members of the European Parliament called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA overturned a red-card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun following a request from Donald Trump.
Trump had phoned Infantino last Thursday to argue that Balogun's automatic ban—stemming from a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina—should be rescinded. Four days later, FIFA's disciplinary committee cleared Balogun to play in a crucial match against Belgium.
In a letter to the football federations of the EU's 27 member states, the lawmakers urged them to "add your voice" to calls for an investigation into Infantino. They criticized FIFA for changing red-card suspension rules mid-tournament, with one MEP saying it was a "disgrace" and that Infantino and FIFA had "surrendered" to the Trump administration.
Although Balogun played, the U.S. lost to Belgium, who celebrated—including mocking Trump's dancing—after scoring their fourth goal in a 4–1 win over the hosts.
The MEPs argue that because FIFA applies its ethics rules to national associations, those bodies—and by extension, lawmakers—should be able to demand accountability from senior FIFA officials.
FIFA did not immediately respond, but Infantino has previously denied any influence over the disciplinary committee's decision. The Wednesday letter was the third message sent by European lawmakers to FIFA in two weeks, including earlier complaints about FIFA's alleged political neutrality violations and its decision to allow Russians to compete in the October U-15 World Cup. The latest letter drew broader backing, with signatures from MEPs across six parliamentary groups.
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