Global Scandal: Trump Pressured Infantino to Have FIFA Reverse Balogun Sanction

WASHINGTON.- The relationship between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino is once again at the center of the storm. This time, the scandal erupted over a phone call the US president made to the FIFA president to intercede in the suspension of Folarin Balogun, the local team’s striker who had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sanction, which prevented him from playing the round of 16 against Belgium, was surprisingly revoked, and suspicions of direct political pressure shake the 2026 World Cup.

According to reports from media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, Trump called Infantino last week to complain about the disciplinary decision. «Everyone tells me it was a mistake,» the magnate reportedly said, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Infantino, who regularly visits the White House and even brought the World Cup trophy to the Oval Office, promised to review the case. Hours later, FIFA announced that Balogun could play.

«Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!» Trump wrote on his Truth Social network, unleashing a tsunami of criticism. The opposition and international analysts pointed out that the president’s intervention is unprecedented and dangerous for the independence of football’s governing body. «It is very unusual for a head of state to intervene in a football disciplinary matter with the top FIFA official,» The Washington Post noted.

The bond between Trump and Infantino is not new. The Swiss was invited to the Republican’s inauguration, accompanied him on tours of the Middle East, and even created the controversial FIFA Peace Prize to honor him at the World Cup draw. «We are together all the time,» Infantino joked two weeks ago on Fox & Friends. The alliance was exposed again when it was learned that both plan to hand over the champion’s trophy together at the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Balogun case, however, marks a before and after. FIFA justified the revocation with technical arguments, but the shadow of political pressure is too great. «The most shocking controversy of the World Cup,» The Wall Street Journal called it. CNN, for its part, noted that «Trump’s role is under scrutiny.»

Meanwhile, the US president has not attended any local team matches so far, although he has sent high-ranking officials. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force for the World Cup, said Trump is «very excited» about the team and is expected to appear as the tournament progresses. But after the scandal, his presence will be closely watched.

The question hanging in the air is whether FIFA can maintain its independence from political power. Infantino, who has made closeness to the powerful a trademark, is once again in the eye of the storm. And Trump, who had already starred in a viral moment at the Club World Cup final by staying next to Chelsea players as they lifted the trophy, seems willing to repeat the scene. But this time, suspicions of interference tarnish any celebration.

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