FIFA President Gianni Infantino Faces Calls to Resign Over Balogun Red Card Decision

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision to suspend Balogun's punishment.

FIFA is in crisis as people call for Gianni Infantino to resign due to the decision to overturn a red card ban for a US player.

Folarin Balogun should have been banned for the game against Belgium after being sent off, but the ban was postponed after Donald Trump spoke to Infantino.

UEFA accused FIFA of undermining the World Cup's integrity.

Balogun was sent off during the US win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to serve a one-match ban, but FIFA suspended the punishment, allowing him to play against Belgium.

FIFA said Balogun's punishment was suspended under its disciplinary rules.

FIFA stated that the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year, and if Balogun commits another infringement, the suspension shall be revoked.

The ruling gave the US a boost before the Belgium tie, with Balogun being their top goalscorer.

Donald Trump admitted he phoned Infantino about the red card.

Infantino released a statement saying he respects the autonomy of the bodies that make decisions, but also revealed he took a phone call from Trump about the red card.

Infantino explained that he receives calls from heads of state and football stakeholders, and during his conversation with Trump, he explained that there was an ongoing legal process.

Infantino said that respect for independent institutions and the rule of law protects the integrity of competitions and the credibility of FIFA.

Folarin Balogun has had his suspension suspended.

FIFA's Appeal Committee deemed a request from the Belgian Football Association as 'inadmissible'.

The chairperson of the FIFA Appeal Committee was not involved in the decision.

The request was rendered inadmissible because the Belgian FA is not a party to the proceedings and has no standing to appeal the decision.

The Belgian FA condemned FIFA's handling of the controversy, saying they were 'astonished' Balogun was not banned.

Trump's relationship with Infantino has come under fire.

Trump admitted he called Infantino to discuss Balogun's red card, saying it was unfair to penalize someone for a game that hasn't been played yet.

Trump said he asked for a review by FIFA, and he spoke to Infantino, who he said was highly respected.

Trump said he didn't think it was a foul, and he thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other.

Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trump said he related his feeling that it would be a big stain if a top player was not allowed to play, and he didn't tell Infantino what to do.

Trump said he thinks the committee made the right decision because it wasn't a foul, and you want to see a game with the best players.

UEFA said FIFA crossed a 'red line' by failing to uphold a core rule of the competition.

UEFA said the decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will require equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, was confused by the unprecedented reprieve after Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter wrote that red cards are not overturned by political phone calls, but by rules, evidence, and independent bodies.

Glenn Micallef, the European Union's commissioner for sport, said decisions on sport belong to sporting bodies, not politicians.

Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling demanded FIFA President Gianni Infantino resign immediately.

Stelling claimed that Infantino's relationship with US President Donald Trump meant his position was untenable.

Stelling said Infantino needs to resign because he's the man who came up with the FIFA Peace Prize and gave it to his friend, Donald Trump.

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney called the decision an 'absolute disgrace'.

Gary Neville attacked the ruling, saying it 'absolutely stinks'.

But fans went much further in their criticism.

Gianni Infantino has appeared at all matches.

Lifelong England fan Ray Harada said if Infantino had any sense of shame, he would resign.

US-based England fan Patrick Finn added that Infantino has embarrassed the game and should be nowhere near the running of world football.

Every fan now has the right to ask whether the tournament is being decided on the pitch or over the phone.

Julie Morley from Cambridge told the Mirror that supporters spend their lives believing in fair play, then FIFA appears to rip up its own rulebook because Trump got involved.

The row has intensified scrutiny of Infantino's close relationship with Trump.

Infantino has been repeatedly accused of fawning over Trump and has visited the White House several times.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The White House referred questions to Trump's post on Truth Social.

The Balogun decision is the latest flashpoint between UEFA and FIFA during a tournament already hit by rows over governance and political influence.

FIFA has also faced questions over other disciplinary rulings at this tournament, including Cristiano Ronaldo being cleared to play.

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