Key facts
- 72 EU lawmakers have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- The lawmakers' demand follows a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino.
- FIFA lifted the red-card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after Trump's call.
- MEP Barry Andrews described the rule change as a 'disgrace and perversion of justice'.
European lawmakers are demanding an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Infantino to lobby for the red-card suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun to be overturned. The suspension was subsequently lifted, allowing Balogun to play in a crucial match.
Seventy-two members of the European Parliament signed a letter, obtained by POLITICO, urging national football federations within the EU to support an inquiry into Infantino. Renew MEP Barry Andrews, who authored the letter, criticized FIFA's decision to alter its rules mid-tournament as a 'disgrace and perversion of justice,' suggesting FIFA yielded to the Trump administration's demands.
Despite Balogun's participation, the U.S. team lost to Belgium. The lawmakers contend that because FIFA's ethics rules apply to its member associations, senior FIFA officials should be held accountable. FIFA has not immediately commented, though Infantino has previously denied influencing the disciplinary committee's decision.
This is the third letter from European lawmakers to FIFA in recent weeks. Previous correspondence urged investigations into alleged violations of political neutrality rules and protested the participation of Russians in a youth World Cup. The latest letter garnered the most support to date, with signatories from six parliamentary groups.