FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rejected suggestions that U.S. President Donald Trump influenced the governing body’s decision to overturn the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun.
The controversy has drawn significant attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Balogun’s one-match suspension was lifted, allowing the striker to feature in the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium later on Monday.
Balogun had been handed a straight red card during the USA’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game ban under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
However, the suspension was later reversed, prompting widespread debate over the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary process, particularly after reports emerged that President Trump had contacted Infantino about the matter.
Addressing the issue publicly, the FIFA president acknowledged receiving the phone call but firmly denied that it had any bearing on the eventual outcome.
“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” Infantino said.
The FIFA chief explained that discussions with political leaders are a routine part of organising a global tournament but stressed that disciplinary decisions remain entirely separate from those conversations.
“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues.
“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold,” he said.
The decision means Balogun is immediately available to strengthen the United States as they attempt to extend their World Cup campaign.
The case has nevertheless sparked wider debate about football governance and the relationship between sporting institutions and political leaders, particularly at a tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The controversy also attracted criticism from Europe.
According to the reports, UEFA argued that FIFA had “crossed a red line” by overturning Balogun’s one-game suspension, questioning the handling of the disciplinary process.
Despite those concerns, Infantino maintained that FIFA’s disciplinary committee reached its verdict independently and according to its established procedures.
