A group of European lawmakers is actively seeking support to initiate an investigation within the European Parliament into FIFA President Gianni Infantino‘s role in allowing US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite receiving a red card. Balogun was issued a red card during the US team’s victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on 1 July, which typically would render him ineligible for subsequent matches. However, FIFA decided to lift his suspension following an intervention by US President Donald Trump.
In a joint statement, European Parliament lawmakers Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to amend the rules on red card suspensions during the tournament, describing it as a serious compromise of justice. They stated, “This situation demonstrates a concerning trend of FIFA yielding to the pressures of the Trump administration.”
The lawmakers have called on the national football associations of EU member states to advocate for an investigation by the FIFA Ethics Committee. They are requesting an examination into whether the Trump administration’s influence played a role in the suspension’s reversal, as well as potential breaches of political neutrality, such as the award of the FIFA Peace Prize to President Trump. FIFA has asserted that the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension was made by its disciplinary committee.
To date, 35 MEPs have endorsed the initiative by signing the letter. The lawmakers underscored the importance of impartiality in sports, stating, “The integrity of sport is founded on fair and transparent rules. When political pressures dictate player eligibility, the fundamental principles of fairness are undermined.”
This article used information from The Associated Press.
