Published On 7/6/2026
The President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, was keen to clarify his position on the controversy surrounding the issue of the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun, stressing that the judicial bodies within the International Federation enjoy complete independence, and that they have the sole jurisdiction to decide disciplinary cases, away from any external interference or pressure.
Infantino’s statements came on Monday evening, via the official FIFA account on the X platform, after criticism escalated against FIFA following the decision to suspend the punishment imposed on Balogun, a decision that sparked widespread reactions in sports and media circles.
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A call from Trump regarding the issue
The FIFA President revealed that he received a phone call from US President Donald Trump to inquire about the Balogun case, explaining that this type of communication is not exceptional, as he regularly discusses files related to football and the World Cup with heads of state, government officials, and figures interested in the game from various parts of the world.
Infantino explained that he clearly informed Trump that the case is subject to existing legal procedures before the independent judicial bodies affiliated with FIFA, and that it will be decided in a timely manner by the competent authorities, in accordance with the regulations and procedures in force within the International Federation.
“Judicial bodies are independent”
In his statement, Infantino stressed that the independence of judicial bodies represents one of the basic principles upon which the management of the International Federation of Association Football is based, stressing that these bodies operate completely independently, apply the FIFA disciplinary regulations, and decide cases based on the facts and governing regulations, without any influence from the executive authorities within the Federation.
He added that respecting the independence of these bodies is necessary to preserve the integrity of the game and the credibility of the International Federation, stressing that this principle must be respected in all circumstances.
Respect decisions no matter the situation
The FIFA President explained that he reads the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee as soon as they are issued, pointing out that he may be surprised by some of them, and he may agree with or disagree with others, but his position remains steadfast in respecting those decisions and not interfering in them.
He stressed that his personal evaluation of any decision does not change the need to respect the independence of the bodies that issued it, pointing out that the strength of sports institutions is based on respecting the rule of law and not influencing the work of judicial authorities.
Infantino’s statement came in light of a wave of criticism faced by the International Federation during the past hours, after the decision to suspend the punishment imposed on Folarin Balogun, which prompted the FIFA President to reaffirm that all procedures related to the case are proceeding in accordance with the legal and institutional frameworks approved within the Federation.
Infantino concluded his statement by emphasizing that respect for independent institutions and the rule of law represents the true guarantee for preserving the integrity of football competitions and the credibility of FIFA, stressing that this approach will remain consistent in all cases heard by FIFA’s judicial bodies.
