Sports
A report has said growing criticism in Europe over the decision to overturn U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension is unlikely to threaten FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s position.
The report, published by the BBC on Tuesday, followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s admission that he requested FIFA to review Balogun’s red-card suspension.
Balogun had been sent off during the United States’ group-stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina and was expected to miss the team’s World Cup round-of-16 clash with Belgium.
However, FIFA reversed the suspension despite competition regulations generally barring appeals against red cards.
Trump said he only requested a review and did not direct FIFA to lift the suspension.
FIFA maintained that its disciplinary committee acted independently and rejected suggestions of political interference.
The decision has nevertheless drawn criticism from across European football.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp described the development as “madness”, saying it raised questions about the integrity of the sport.
The report noted that critics viewed the reversal as benefiting the World Cup co-hosts, while highlighting Infantino’s close relationship with Trump.
It said the controversy was the latest in a series of issues that have dogged Infantino’s presidency, including governance concerns, the expansion of the Club World Cup and the awarding of the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
According to the report, FIFA statutes prohibit political interference in football, and member associations have previously been suspended over government involvement in football administration.
Despite the criticism, the report said Infantino was unlikely to face serious political consequences.
It said FIFA’s electoral system, which gives each member association one vote, meant support from Africa, Asia and other confederations outweighed opposition from Europe.
The report added that no major challenger had emerged ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, making it unlikely that the latest controversy would threaten Infantino’s leadership.
F.O
Tags: Balogun intervention Infantino Trump