Infantino says he told Trump the Balogun red card would be decided by independent bodies

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/infantino-says-he-told-trump-the-balogun-red-card-would-be-decided-by-independent-bodies Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Infantino says he told Trump the Balogun red card would be decided by independent bodies Nation Jul 6, 2026 2:27 PM EDT SEATTLE (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he discussed the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun with Donald Trump, and he explained to the U.S. president that a decision on the matter would be taken by FIFA's independent judicial bodies. "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," Infantino said in a statement Monday on X. "That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold." Balogun was cleared to play for the United States in the World Cup round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday after FIFA lifted his one-match suspension. Belgium said it was challenging the decision. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now