Sports

Donald Trump’s intervention in FIFA prompts lawmakers to demand investigate Gianni Infantino

Donald Trump confirmed he requested to overturn suspension of Folarin Balogun

Ariha Fatimah Arain

Published July 08, 2026, 06:09 PM

Updated a week ago

Donald Trump’s intervention in FIFA prompts lawmakers to demand investigate Gianni Infantino

Donald Trump confirmed he requested to overturn suspension of Folarin Balogun

US President’s intervention in FIFA World Cup has sparked chaos.

Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he reached out to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun.

Eventually the suspension was changed and Balogun played the knockout match against Belgium, which US lost.

However, the change in decision has prompted European MPs to probe investigation into the matter.

As per Euronews, on Tuesday, few members of the European parliament launched an initiative calling for an investigation.

A letter was shared in the European parliament that urged football associations across the European Union to seek a formal FIFA review of the decision-making process.

Balogun was US’ top scoring player in the tournament who was given the red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. The red card restricted him from playing the Round of 16 match against Belgium but he played after the change.

As per FIFA, the decision was made by its disciplinary committee.