Infantino: "FIFA" enjoys complete independence.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, confirmed that he received a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the red card received by striker Folarin Balogun, but he emphasized that this communication did not influence the judicial decision regarding the suspension resulting from that expulsion, affirming that the judicial bodies of FIFA enjoy complete independence and are not subject to interference in their disciplinary decisions.

FIFA's decision sparked widespread protests, and the Belgian Football Association filed an appeal against it, due to what some considered political interference in sports decisions.

Infantino clarified in an official statement that he has been following the public comments related to the decision of FIFA's independent disciplinary committee regarding the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and he reiterated a fundamental principle in FIFA governance, which is that the judicial bodies have complete independence.

The FIFA president pointed out that these bodies operate autonomously and apply FIFA's disciplinary regulations, issuing their decisions based on the applicable rules and the specific facts presented to them, considering that this independence is a fundamental pillar to ensure the credibility and integrity of the game of football and must always be respected.

The usual rules stipulate that players who are sent off in World Cup matches receive an automatic one-match suspension, even if the referee's decision is deemed harsh. However, critics of the decision believe that FIFA broke this established protocol following the phone call from Donald Trump.

Infantino denied these allegations, stating that he regularly discusses matters related to the World Cup with the President of the United States, and that he did indeed receive a call from Trump regarding this issue, just as he receives calls from heads of state, government officials, stakeholders in football, and company presidents from around the world to discuss various and diverse issues.

The FIFA president added that he clarified during the conversation that there are ongoing legal proceedings being conducted by FIFA's independent judicial bodies, and that the case will be resolved in due course by the competent authorities, affirming that this is how FIFA is managed, and it is the principle he will always defend.