Over 10,000 apply for 1,000 rural teaching jobs in Nasarawa

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the autonomy of the sport's judicial bodies amid controversy surrounding the overturning of a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.

“

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.

The decision by FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee to overturn Balogun's suspension sparked criticism and speculation about political influence, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have intervened. Infantino addressed these concerns in a statement, emphasizing a fundamental principle of FIFA's governance.

"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 stated. He stressed that this independence is crucial for maintaining the credibility and integrity of football.

“

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

Infantino confirmed he had spoken with President Trump about the case, a common occurrence given his regular discussions with heads of state on various matters. However, he firmly rejected any suggestion that this conversation influenced the outcome. "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.

“

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

While Infantino admitted he sometimes agrees or disagrees with disciplinary rulings personally, he maintained that he never interferes with the work of these independent institutions. He concluded by stating his consistent respect for their decisions and autonomy, regardless of personal opinion.

“

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.