🚨 Criticism over Balogun verdict! Now Infantino speaks out | OneFootball

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has now spoken out for the first time in response to the Balogun ruling. Shortly before the round of 16, the suspension of US star striker Folarin Balogun was lifted, meaning he will be eligible to play against Belgium. 

In light of allegations of political interference and strong protests from the Belgian Football Association as well as several European associations (including UEFA), the head of world football wanted to clarify FIFA’s position. He did so in a statement published on 'X'. 

He said he had taken note of the public reactions and therefore wanted to comment: "FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases on the basis of the applicable regulations as well as the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football and must always be respected."

He then also confirmed that he had received a call from Trump. "During our conversation, I explained that legal proceedings are underway before FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case will be decided by the competent bodies in due course. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle I will always stand up for," Infantino continued. 

The statement concludes: "I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are published. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and FIFA’s credibility at all times."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Pool - 2025 Pool