EU parliamentarians call for probe into FIFA chief's handling of U.S. striker's suspension
European lawmakers are seeking an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infundo's role in overturning a red-card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun after alleged pressure from the Trump administration.
Dozens of members of the European Parliament are mobilising support for an inquiry into FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s involvement in the decision to lift a red-card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, which would normally have barred him from the next match. The suspension was reversed on Monday, a move the lawmakers say followed contact between President Donald Trump and Infantino.
European Parliament members Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters and Niels Fuglsang issued a joint statement urging national football associations in EU member states to ask the FIFA Ethics Committee to examine whether political pressure influenced the disciplinary decision and to review other possible breaches of political neutrality, such as the awarding of a FIFA Peace Prize to Trump.
"The decision to alter the rule on red-card suspensions during a tournament raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency," the statement read.
FIFA has responded that the disciplinary committee independently decided to lift the suspension. So far, 35 parliamentarians have signed the letter requesting the investigation.