Infantino emphasizes that “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent” and that this is how he explained it to Trump

The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, defended himself this Monday against the criticism received for the decision of the organization’s Disciplinary Committee to allow the American striker Folarin Bolagun to play in the round of 16 against Belgium despite seeing a red card in the round of 32 and stressed that the entity’s judicial bodies “are independent” and that this was conveyed to him when the president of the United States, Donald Trump, called him, “just like” other heads of state or government authorities do.

Balogun will be able to play against Belgium after FIFA has lifted the suspension he had for the red card in the previous round against Bosnia, an unprecedented decision in the tournament and very controversial because it is the host team, with the addition of Trump’s call to Infantino, provoking critical reactions from many sides such as UEFA or Belgium itself, which has appealed it.

“I have read the public comments on the decision of the independent Fifa Disciplinary Committee regarding the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of Fifa governance. Fifa’s judicial bodies are independent,” Infantino replied on the body’s official ‘X’ account.

The leader recalled that these bodies “operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts presented to them.” “Their independence is essential for the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” he warned.

Infantino confirmed that he “regularly” talks “about matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the president of the United States,” and that “on this subject,” he received “a call” from Donald Trump. “Just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football representatives and business executives from around the world on various topics,” he clarified.

“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving the independent judicial bodies of FIFA and that the case would be resolved in due time by the competent bodies. This is how the FIFA system works, and it is a principle that I will always defend,” he added in this regard.

The president reads the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee “when they are published.” “Sometimes they surprise me. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I don’t. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we 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 the credibility of FIFA at all times,” he said.