Gianni Infantino defends FIFA’s independence after Folarin Balogun red card rescinded

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies after the governing body’s Disciplinary Committee rescinded the suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, a dismissal that initially ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 showdown against Belgium.

However, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee overturned the suspension following a review, clearing the forward to feature in the crucial knockout tie.

The decision generated widespread debate, prompting Infantino to issue a statement reaffirming that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and without interference.

“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.”

Infantino also addressed speculation surrounding a conversation he held with President Donald Trump, confirming that the US President contacted him while the disciplinary process was ongoing.

According to the FIFA President, he made it clear that the case would be determined solely by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.

“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 admitted that he does not always agree with decisions reached by FIFA’s disciplinary authorities but stressed that respecting their autonomy is fundamental to maintaining 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 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, following FIFA’s decision to rescind his suspension.