European MPs Demand Probe of FIFA President Infantino Over Red Card Suspension

Brussels. European MPs have demanded an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino. European MPs have made such a demand amid suspicions that US President Donald Trump's pressure may have worked in FIFA's unprecedented decision to overturn the World Cup suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun.

A group of members of the European Parliament launched a campaign on Tuesday demanding an investigation into Infantino's role, Euronews reported. Through a letter shared in the European Parliament, EU football associations have been urged to demand a formal review of FIFA's decision-making process and potential political interference.

Balogun, who scored the most goals for the US in this competition, received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. According to normal rules, he would have had to miss the next match. But after Trump called Infantino, who has been his friend for years, FIFA lifted his suspension for the match against Belgium on Monday.

FIFA, however, claims that this decision was made by its disciplinary committee. This is the first time in the history of the modern World Cup that a player's suspension for a red card received during the competition has been lifted. UEFA, the highest body of European football, has called FIFA's decision 'unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustified'.

US President Trump has admitted that he asked FIFA to reconsider Balogun's case. He defended himself by calling the red card 'terrible' but claimed he did not demand any specific decision and could not dictate to Infantino what to do.

Trump said, 'I think this suspension would have left a big stain. Both the US and Belgium should be able to field their best players for their game.' However, the US lost to Belgium 4-1 in that match and was eliminated from the World Cup.

European Parliament members Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Nils Fuglsang issued a joint statement strongly criticizing FIFA's move. They said, 'FIFA's decision to change the rules regarding red card suspensions in the middle of the competition is shameful and a mockery of justice. We once again saw Infantino and FIFA bow to the demands of the Trump administration.'

They stated that 35 more MPs have joined this petition. The statement further said, 'The beauty of sports lies in the fact that it is based on fair and transparent rules. When Infantino allows who gets to play to be determined by political pressure, the spirit of fairness ends.'

FIFA President Infantino, however, defended his conversation with Trump. He claimed that he informed the US President that this matter was being handled by FIFA's independent judicial body.

Infantino said, 'This is how FIFA's system works, and this is a principle I will always uphold.' The Swiss football administrator has maintained close ties with Trump, to whom he awarded the newly created 'FIFA Peace Award' just last year.