European MEPs call for probe of FIFA boss Infantino over red card suspension

A group of Members of the European Parliament have launched an initiative calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino's role in overturning a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The decision, which came after US President Donald Trump spoke with Infantino, is unprecedented in modern tournament history, as a red card typically results in a mandatory one-match ban.

Balogun received a red card in the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, which would normally force him to miss the next game. However, FIFA lifted the suspension before Monday's match against Belgium after Trump called Infantino, with whom he has a longstanding friendship. FIFA stated the decision was made by its disciplinary committee.

Europe's football governing body UEFA called the move "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." Trump acknowledged asking FIFA to review Balogun's case, calling the red card "horrible," but said he did not demand a specific outcome. The US subsequently lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the World Cup.

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 noted that 35 colleagues had already joined their petition. "The beauty of sport is that it is based on impartial and transparent rules. When Infantino allows political pressure to determine who gets to play, this sense of fairness goes out the window," they said.

Infantino defended his call with Trump, saying he told the US president the matter was handled by FIFA's independent judicial bodies. "That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold," Infantino said. The Swiss football administrator presented Trump with a newly-created "FIFA Peace Prize" last year, highlighting their close ties.