FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of FIFA’s judicial system following reports that United States President Donald Trump contacted him over the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun.
The controversy erupted after the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee upheld Balogun’s suspension following his red card, prompting widespread debate over whether outside influence could affect decisions made by world football’s governing body.
Addressing the issue, Infantino confirmed he had spoken with President Trump but insisted that FIFA’s judicial bodies remain completely independent and are not subject to political or external interference.
“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance,” Infantino said.
He explained that FIFA’s disciplinary bodies operate autonomously, applying the FIFA Disciplinary Code and making decisions solely based on the regulations and evidence presented before them.
“Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” he stated.
Infantino acknowledged that he regularly communicates with world leaders, government officials and football stakeholders on matters relating to the sport, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup. He confirmed that President Trump had indeed called him regarding Balogun’s case.
However, the FIFA president stressed that his response was clear: the matter was already before FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and would be decided through the organization’s established legal process.
“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold,” he said.
Infantino also admitted that he does not always agree with decisions taken by FIFA’s disciplinary committees but emphasized that respecting their autonomy is fundamental to protecting the integrity of the game.
“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. 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,” he added.
The FIFA president concluded by reaffirming that respect for independent institutions and the rule of law remains central to maintaining the credibility of football and ensuring fairness in international competitions.
