European Parliament lawmakers have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the organization's unprecedented decision to overturn the World Cup suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun, raising concerns about potential political interference by US President Donald Trump.
A group of MEPs launched an initiative on Tuesday seeking a probe into Infantino's role in the decision, according to Euronews. A letter circulating in the European Parliament urges football associations across the European Union to request a formal FIFA review of the decision-making process and any possible political interference.
Balogun, the US's top scorer in the tournament, received a red card during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, which would normally result in a one-match suspension. However, FIFA lifted the suspension for Monday's match against Belgium after Trump called Infantino, with whom he has maintained a friendly relationship for years.
FIFA stated the decision was made by its disciplinary committee. This marks the first time in modern World Cup history that a red card received during the tournament did not lead to a suspension.
UEFA, Europe's football governing body, called the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." Trump acknowledged asking FIFA to reconsider Balogun's case, calling the red card "horrible," though he claimed he did not demand a specific outcome and could not tell Infantino what to do.
MEPs Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang said in a joint statement that FIFA's decision to "change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is a disgrace and a perversion of justice." They added, "Once again, we've seen Infantino and FIFA surrender to the demands of the Trump administration."
Infantino defended his call with Trump, saying he informed the US president that the matter was handled by FIFA's independent judicial bodies. The Swiss football administrator has developed close ties with Trump, presenting him with the newly created "FIFA Peace Prize" last year.
Source: www.aljazeera.com