FIFA President Gianni Infantino has broken his silence regarding the decision to suspend the one-game ban for U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) star Folarin Balogun, who is now eligible to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Infantino confirmed a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump about the matter, stating that he explained the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies.
"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," Infantino said in a statement Monday morning.
He reiterated that FIFA's judicial bodies are independent and operate autonomously, making decisions based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the specific facts presented. "Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected," Infantino added.
Balogun received a controversial red card during the USMNT's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina following a slow-motion VAR review. The red card resulted in an immediate ejection and an automatic one-game suspension.
However, Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code allows the judicial body to suspend the implementation of disciplinary measures. Balogun was placed on a one-year probationary period in conjunction with the suspension of his ban.
The decision had drawn criticism, with Belgium's coach comparing it to an April Fools' joke and the Belgian soccer body appealing the ruling. U.S. Soccer had reportedly threatened legal action against FIFA, arguing that the VAR process was incorrectly applied and that slow-motion replays should not be used to determine intent or severity of fouls. The matter was prepared to be raised with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued," Infantino stated. "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."
Infantino concluded by emphasizing that personal opinions on decisions are irrelevant and that respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is paramount to protecting the integrity of competitions and FIFA's credibility.