FIFA president Gianni Infantino addresses Trump call as he breaks silence on Folarin Balogun red card decision
FIFA president Gianni Infantino broke his silence Monday morning on the decision to suspend USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban, news that rocked the World Cup as he’s now allowed to play vs. Belgium Monday evening in the Round of 16.
Read more The USMNT faces its defining World Cup moment after Folarin Balogun’s surprising return
Infantino explained how the decision was reached and gave his side of the phone call he had with President Trump, who earlier Monday said in the Oval Office he asked Infantino to review the red card but “didn’t tell him what to do.”
“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 said in a statement.
“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. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.
“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. 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.”
Balogun was controversially issued a red card during the USMNT’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina after a slow-motion VAR review. The red card resulted in an immediate ejection and automatic one-game ban.
But Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code states “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.” Balogun was given a one-year probationary period in conjunction with the decision to suspend his suspension.
Belgium was incensed by the decision, with coach Rudi Garcia comparing it to an April Fools’ joke while its soccer body launched an appeal, arguing allowing Balogun to play “crossed a red line.”
The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro reported Sunday that U.S. Soccer threatened legal action against FIFA for incorrectly applying its VAR process, as they were prepared to raise the issue with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The basis for U.S. Soccer’s argument was that, based on VAR guidelines, slow-motion replay shouldn’t be used to determine intent and severity on a foul.
Read more Folarin Balogun cleared to play for USMNT as desperate Belgium appeal fails
World Cup Merch shop
USMNT Icon Red T-Shirt
Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.
Christian Pulisic Navy USMNT T-Shirt
Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.
USA Soccer Front/Back Crest Pullover Hoodie
Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.
FIFA World Cup ’26 Host Country Flags T-Shirt
Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.
2026 Panini FIFA World Cup Sticker Box (25 Sticker Packs)
Rip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders.
adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Trionda Host Nation League Soccer Ball
Bring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel.
“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued,” Infantino said. “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.”
Read more Wayne Rooney eviscerates FIFA for changing Folarin Balogun’s suspension: ‘Absolute disgrace’
