Left to Right: FIFA's President Gianni Infantino and U.S Footballer Folarin Balogun

Sports

World Cup: Infantino Reacts to FIFA’s Decision to Suspend Folarin Balogun’s Red Card Ban

Published on July 6, 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded to public criticism surrounding the suspension of Folarin Balogun, stressing that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and that their decisions must be respected.

In a statement, Infantino said he had seen comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee and emphasized that the body applies the FIFA Disciplinary Code based on the specific facts of each case.

“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.”

ALSO READ: FIFA Bars Argentina From Retiring Messi’s Iconic No. 10 Jersey

Infantino also addressed reports that he had spoken with Donald Trump about the case. He confirmed that he received a call from Trump and explained that the matter was already before FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.

“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,” he said.

He added that while he sometimes agrees or disagrees with disciplinary decisions, he respects the autonomy of the bodies responsible for making 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.”

Earlier, President Trump commented on his conversation with Infantino and criticized the referee’s decision that led to Balogun’s red card.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said.

“I thought it was two great athletes who collided and became entangled. I think they made a really brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible.”

ALSO READ: Ex-City Manager Mancini Speaks Out on Club’s Financial Controversy

The controversy has generated widespread debate among football fans and commentators over the interpretation of the incident and the disciplinary action that followed.

For advert placement, publication of news content, articles, videos or any other news worthy materials on this Website, kindly send mail to [email protected].