EU Lawmakers Seek Infantino’s Probe over Alleged Political Influence on FIFA
EU lawmakers are calling for a FIFA ethics probe into President Infantino, alleging political pressure from Donald Trump influenced the lifting of Folarin Balogun's ban.
- Seventy-Two Members of the European Parliament urged a formal probe into FIFA President Gianni Infantino yesterday, alleging political pressure from President Donald Trump prompted the reversal of Folarin Balogun's suspension.
- Citing FIFA Statutes and the FIFA Code, the MEPs claim the alleged political influence violates the mandate that 'FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion,' constituting a direct breach of FIFA's principles.
- Writing to 27 European Football Associations, the MEPs urged an inquiry into the decision-making process; FIFA denied presidential interference, asserting the Independent Disciplinary Committee acted within its specific powers.
- Despite the suspension reversal, the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium and exited the tournament after Balogun participated in the round-of-16 match; Trump publicly claimed his involvement prompted the governing body to overturn the suspension.
- MEPs warn this incident establishes a dangerous precedent for future tournament decisions, potentially undermining sporting justice as the controversy fuels broader concerns regarding the independence of sporting organizations from political influence.
41 Articles
41 Articles
A discredited Fifa at the beck and call of a petulant Trump
The international football federation (Fifa), the body responsible for the overall conduct and supervision of the 2026 World Cup, brought the beautiful game into disrepute earlier this week. In an unprecedented move it lifted the automatic ban on US top player Folarin Balogun, after he was red carded and sent off in the US match […]
Trump’s FIFA interference marks new low in presidential corruption
When it comes to dishonorable conduct, there is simply no bottom for our 47th president. Donald Trump leaned on bootlicking FIFA President Gianni Infantino and was rewarded with a rescission of the red card that disqualified America’s most productive goal scorer from playing against Belgium Monday in Seattle. Infantino is also the man who invented a sham peace prize for the undeserving U.S. president. Infantino has now entered Trump’s personal c…
The Causa Balogun is still beating high waves and is also causing trouble for former top referee Markus Merk. US President Donald Trump's intervention at FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and the subsequent lifting of the red lock by Folarin Balogun make him "speakless". Especially since he can remember a threat from the World Federation in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup ... "We are already used to FIFA in recent years and we know for ourselves: What…
Trump's phone call could cost FIFA boss his head
By Keith Rathbone, Senior Lecturer, Modern European History and Sports History, Macquarie UniversityThe World Cup has entered its quarter-finals, and so far the tournament has had it all: a strong team ousted early (Germany), debate over whether an ageing superstar (Lionel Messi) still “has it”, and...
European Lawmakers Demand Investigation Into FIFA President Over U.S. Red Card Reversal
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 10, 2026. —Carl Recine—Getty ImagesDozens of members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s role in the decision to suspend the red card ban on an American player following a call from President Donald Trump.In a letter to …
Trump's call to Fifa and the consequences continue to heat the minds: now politics demands enlightenment. Meanwhile, Infantino's re-election seems to be at risk. How does the DFB behave?
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
