European lawmakers call for investigation into Infantino over Balogun's card

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 18:13 | 2 min read

Balogun, US national team striker. (AFP)

The case of US national team striker Folarin Balogun participating in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, despite the cancellation of his suspension, has prompted European calls for an investigation into the decision-making process within FIFA.

According to a report by the Italian website Calcio e Finanza, around 30 members of the European Parliament called on European football associations to support an investigation to determine whether FIFA President Gianni Infantino played a role in suspending the automatic ban imposed on the player, and whether pressure from the US administration influenced the decision.

European letter

The report indicated that the letter was led by European Parliament members Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang, and was seen by the Italian news agency ANSA, before being signed by around 30 European lawmakers.

The signatories demanded verification of the independence of the disciplinary decision, and whether FIFA's judicial bodies made it free from any external interference.

Case background

The case dates back to the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Balogun received a red card after a VAR review.

According to the report, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee imposed a one-match suspension, which was then suspended during a probationary period, allowing the player to participate in the round of 16 match against Belgium.

Political suspicions

The report says the decision raised questions due to the United States hosting the 2026 World Cup finals alongside Canada and Mexico, as well as the close relationship between the FIFA president and the US administration.

It added that US President Donald Trump admitted to having called Infantino, demanding a review of the player's penalty, which further fueled debate over the independence of the decision.

Demands for transparency

According to the report, European Parliament members are demanding clarification on whether the suspension of the penalty was an independent decision by FIFA's judicial bodies, or the result of political interference or pressure.

The signatories also called for ensuring transparency in FIFA's decision-making mechanisms, amid growing criticism over Infantino's relationship with the US administration, as North America prepares to host the 2026 World Cup finals.

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