EU lawmakers want Gianni Infantino investigated over Trump contact
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- European Parliament lawmakers are seeking to investigate FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his role in lifting the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card during a match.
- Balogun's suspension was lifted after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly intervened with Infantino, allowing Balogun to play despite normally being ineligible.
- Lawmakers criticized FIFA's decision to change the red card suspension rule mid-tournament, calling it a "disgrace" and accusing Infantino of yielding to political pressure from the Trump administration.
- They have called on EU national football associations to urge the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate potential breaches of political neutrality, including Infantino's awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump.
- FIFA maintains that the disciplinary committee made the decision to lift the suspension, while 35 European Parliament members have signed a letter demanding further inquiry.
