Brussels wants action over Trump-Infantino red card controversy
Politics — 2026-07-09 15:15:00 — www.politico.com
European Lawmakers Demand Probe After Trump Lobbies FIFA to Lift U.S. Player’s Ban
Seventy-two members of the European Parliament are calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA lifted the red card suspension of U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun—an action taken days after President Donald Trump personally called Infantino to lobby for the ban to be overturned.
Trump’s Direct Intervention
According to the report, Trump called Infantino last Thursday to advocate for Balogun, who had received an automatic suspension after a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Four days after Trump’s intervention, FIFA’s disciplinary committee cleared Balogun to play in a crucial match against Belgium.
European Lawmakers React
The move has sparked outrage among European lawmakers, who argue that FIFA’s decision to change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament undermines the integrity of the sport. In a letter obtained by POLITICO and sent to the national football federations of the EU’s 27 member countries, lawmakers urged their counterparts to support an investigation into Infantino’s actions.
Renew MEP Barry Andrews, who authored the letter, called FIFA’s decision “a disgrace and perversion of justice,” and accused Infantino and FIFA of surrendering to the demands of the Trump administration.
Ethics and Accountability Demanded
The lawmakers emphasized that since FIFA enforces its ethics rules on all member associations, those same standards should apply to senior FIFA officials. They insist that the organization’s code of ethics requires accountability at the highest levels.
FIFA has not responded to requests for comment on the letter, and Infantino has previously denied influencing the disciplinary committee’s decision.
Broader Concerns Over FIFA’s Neutrality
This is the third letter from European lawmakers in two weeks demanding scrutiny of FIFA’s leadership. Previous letters have raised concerns about FIFA’s political neutrality and its decisions regarding Russian participation in youth tournaments. The latest letter, signed by MEPs from six parliamentary groups, represents the most widespread support yet for an investigation.
Conclusion
President Trump’s direct lobbying of FIFA to overturn a player’s suspension has triggered a significant backlash from European lawmakers, who see the move as a violation of sporting fairness and organizational ethics. The growing bipartisan support for an investigation highlights the seriousness with which European officials view political interference in international sports. As the controversy unfolds, the demand for transparency and accountability at FIFA remains at the forefront.