FIFA president confirms Trump’s call over red card, but….

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, confirming he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the case. Infantino reiterated that FIFA's disciplinary process operates with complete independence, emphasizing that decisions are made autonomously by its judicial bodies based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the specific facts presented.

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I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance.

Infantino's statement comes after President Trump publicly acknowledged contacting FIFA to review Balogun's red card, which Trump argued was unfairly issued. Trump had suggested the collision was accidental and not serious foul play, prompting his call to a FIFA official.

"I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance," Infantino stated. He added, "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."

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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.

While acknowledging he regularly discusses FIFA World Cup matters with various heads of state, Infantino clarified that such conversations do not equate to interference. "Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States," he said. "On this matter, 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."

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Their independence is essential to the integrity of football, and this must always be respected.

Infantino explained to Trump that the case was already with FIFA's independent judicial bodies and would be decided according to the established process. He stressed the importance of respecting this independence for the integrity of world football. Balogun was initially suspended for a red card received during the U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the FIFA Disciplinary Committee later overturned the one-match ban, allowing him to play against Belgium. This decision has faced significant criticism.

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Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States.