EU parliamentarians demand FIFA investigation after Trump intervention lifts US striker's suspension
After US President Donald Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review a red card, 72 EU lawmakers demand an investigation into whether political pressure unfairly lifted Folarin Balogun's suspension for the World Cup round of 16.
Political intervention
Ahead of the World Cup round of 16, US striker Folarin Balogun was facing an automatic one-match suspension after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking for a review.
I called to re-examine the red card.
The ban was lifted, drawing criticism from those who see it as political meddling.
FIFA's opaque process
FIFA attributed the reversal to its 18-member disciplinary committee but declined to confirm if a formal vote occurred. Unlike standard rulings, no official report was published, deepening suspicions of undue influence. White House World Cup Task Force head Andrew Giuliani later defended the action.
Whether at the ballot box or on the pitch, the US government wants a fair game.
He said the administration was pleased that the US soccer federation appealed the card.
European Parliament demands probe
Seventy-two MEPs from across the political spectrum signed a letter to all 27 EU football federations, urging an investigation into Infantino's involvement and any US pressure. The letter invokes FIFA's ethics code requiring accountability for breaches of political neutrality.
We write to urge you to call for an investigation to determine whether FIFA President Gianni Infantino was involved in the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban, and whether pressure from the US administration influenced this decision.
Signatories include Belgian MEPs Yvan Verougstraete, Hilde Vautmans, Bruno Tobback, Saskia Bricmont and Elio Di Rupo. The démarche follows an earlier letter from 50 MEPs demanding clarity on FIFA's award of its first peace prize to Trump.
Giuliani targets referee
Giuliani shifted the focus by questioning the integrity of Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, noting a 2024 investigation in Brazil.
It is highly suspicious that referee Claus was investigated for false red cards and match manipulation.
A reporter countered that Claus was only a witness in that case, not a defendant. Giuliani acknowledged this but insisted the situations were comparable. Trump had earlier described Claus as "a little suspicious."
On-field outcome
Despite the off-pitch victory, Balogun played in the subsequent match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1. The controversy now threatens to overshadow the remainder of the World Cup, with European lawmakers seeking accountability before the tournament concludes.
