FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of the governing body’s judicial system after the suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun was overturned ahead of the team’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Balogun had been sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, a dismissal that initially ruled him out of the Americans’ next match.
However, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee later rescinded the suspension following a review, making the striker available for selection against Belgium.
The decision prompted widespread debate, with Infantino insisting that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and without external influence.
“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,” Infantino said.
“Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”
The FIFA president also addressed reports surrounding a conversation with United States President Donald Trump while the disciplinary process was ongoing.
Infantino confirmed that he had received a call from Trump but said he made it clear that the matter would be decided solely by FIFA’s judicial authorities.
“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.”
Infantino acknowledged that he does not always share the views of FIFA’s disciplinary authorities but stressed that respecting their autonomy is essential to preserving the integrity of the game.
“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.”
“What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy 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 what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”
Balogun is now eligible to return for the United States when they face Belgium in the Round of 16, with FIFA’s decision allowing the striker to feature in one of the team’s biggest matches of the tournament.
Infantino’s comments were intended to underline the separation between FIFA’s leadership and its judicial processes, reaffirming that disciplinary decisions are made independently under the organisation’s regulations.
