Soccer
Infantino reiterates independent nature of FIFA’s judicial bodies amid Balogun decision controversy
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Gianni Infantino has responded to the controversy surrounding FIFA's decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who was shown a red card for a foul committed against Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic on Wednesday at the World Cup.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the Round of 32 match, with his red card also carrying a further punishment that would have seen him miss Monday's last-16 encounter against Belgium. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's automatic suspension was put on hold, citing article 27 of its disciplinary code, clearing the way for the 25-year-old to play against the Belgians.
Pochettino: Fair decision made on Balogun's overturned suspension
The rare move to delay an automatic ban at the World Cup was enough to set off a firestorm in traditional media and social media alike, and the fans were flamed when it was confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino to inquire about Balogun's red card, contrary to FIFA's rules about governmental interference.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) added to the fire by releasing a statement demanding an explanation for FIFA's decision, stating "the RBFA is deeply concerned by the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole."
With hours until kick-off between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium, Infantino has defended the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's handling of Balogun's case, reiterating that the judicial body is independent. The FIFA president also addressed the call from Trump, stating that he regularly fields calls "from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues."
Here is Infantino's statement in full:
“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.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.
“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. 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.
“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. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”
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