EU lawmakers seek probe of FIFA boss after Trump intervention
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 3:42 PM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Dozens of European lawmakers are pushing for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The probe concerns the decision to lift U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension before the U.S. match against Belgium. Balogun was red-carded in a game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, making him ineligible for subsequent matches until FIFA intervened following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump. Lawmakers claim this decision undermines the integrity of football and allege that political influence compromised fair play. They are urging EU national football associations to encourage the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate further.
- •Lawmakers accuse Infantino of bending rules under political pressure.
- •Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted before a match.
- •The U.S. won against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1.
- •35 European lawmakers have signed a letter supporting the probe.
- •FIFA claims the suspension decision was made independently by its disciplinary committee.
- 3:42 PMYahoo Sports — EU lawmakers call for probe of FIFA boss over Trump contact before US-Belgium match
"Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support to launch an investigation in the European Parliament of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over his involvement in the decision to permit U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card. Balogun was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, which normally would make him ineligible to play in team's next game, but FIFA lifted his suspension for a match on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened with Infantino on behalf of the 25-year-old striker.
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