EU Lawmakers Seek Infantino’s Probe over Alleged Political Influence on FIFA
- Thirty-Five Members of the European Parliament have requested an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino for allegedly yielding to political pressure from US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup dispute involving player Folarin Balogun's suspension.
- The MEPs criticized the decision to lift Balogun's red card suspension as a "disgrace and a distortion of justice," suggesting it compromised FIFA's independence and fairness in sport.
- They urged football associations in EU countries to pressure FIFA's Ethics Committee to investigate potential breaches of political neutrality within FIFA, fearing it threatens the integrity and independence of sport.
- FIFA denied Infantino's involvement, stating that the Independent Disciplinary Committee alone lifted the suspension, but criticism and calls for investigation continue amid concerns of political influence in football.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Brussels wants action over Trump-Infantino red card controversy
Seventy-two members of the European Parliament on Wednesday demanded an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA lifted the red card suspension of star U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following a call from President Donald Trump. Last Thursday, Trump called Infantino to lobby for the automatic ban given to Balogun after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina to be overturned. Four days later, FIFA’s disciplinary co…
MEPs call for an investigation into Infantino over allegations of bowing to pressure from Trump
The crisis surrounding the lifting of the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun has taken a new turn, after dozens of Members of the European Parliament called for an investigation into the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, following allegations that he succumbed to political pressure from US president Donald Trump, in one of the most controversial issues surrounding the 2026 World Cup. According to the Associated Press, 35 MEPs sign…
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