Trump call to Infantino lifts US striker's ban, igniting FIFA integrity crisis and Swiss tax debate
FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after a call from Donald Trump, allowing the US striker to face Belgium. The move triggered accusations of political interference and renewed demands for FIFA to lose its Swiss tax privileges.
The intervention
On Sunday, FIFA suspended the one-match ban of US striker Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in the round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision made him eligible for the round of 16 against Belgium. US President Donald Trump later admitted calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review, saying he did not think it was a foul. Infantino confirmed the call but insisted the disciplinary committee acts independently.
I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul.
I did receive a call from President Donald Trump. I pointed out that the FIFA disciplinary committee is independent. That is how the FIFA system works, and it is a principle I will always defend.
Football world reacts
The move drew sharp criticism from across football. Belgium's football association filed an appeal, which FIFA's appeals committee rejected shortly before kick-off. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, who sits on the FIFA Council, called for the impression of political interference to be "swiftly and conclusively dispelled." Jürgen Klopp, the incoming Germany coach, said the episode put everything into question.
If Trump and Infantino really arranged this, then it calls everything into question. These two people, neither of whom knows anything about football, should have nothing to do with it. This is our game, not their game.
The impression that there has been active political interference in sport must be swiftly and conclusively dispelled. This is about the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA.
Swiss politicians demand tax reform
In Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered as a registered association and benefits from a reduced tax rate, the controversy reignited calls to strip the organization of its special status. Green Party parliamentary leader Greta Gysin called Trump's intervention "unacceptable" and said the case showed once again that FIFA is "marked by corruption scandals and serious governance problems." She noted it was "particularly shameful" that this was happening "under Swiss leadership." Social Democrat Miriam Locher argued that FIFA, which "acts like a multinational corporation," should pay taxes on its billions in revenue.
That Donald Trump is trying to influence sporting decisions is unacceptable, though hardly surprising. Rules only apply as long as they serve his own interests.
FIFA acts like a multinational corporation and should pay taxes on its billions in revenue. The political status of FIFA as an association must be urgently re-examined.
A pattern of scandal
The Balogun case is the latest in a series of controversies under Infantino, including the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, the sidelining of FIFA's ethics committee, a peace prize for Trump, and alleged secret meetings with Switzerland's then-attorney general. Critics say the suspension lift strikes at the core of football's integrity, where rules must apply equally.
- Balogun receives red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- US President asks FIFA to review the suspension.
- Disciplinary committee suspends the ban on probation, making Balogun eligible.
- Belgian FA files legal challenge; FIFA rejects it shortly before kick-off.
- Balogun plays in the round of 16 match in Seattle.
What's at stake
The match in Seattle went ahead with Balogun on the pitch. For many, the damage to the sport's credibility is already done. The episode has exposed the vulnerability of football governance to political pressure and revived a decade-old debate in Switzerland over whether FIFA deserves its privileged tax treatment.
