Gianni Infantino’s grip on power at FIFA is reportedly weakening following the fallout from the Folarin Balogun suspension controversy, with GiveMeSport highlighting the growing pressure surrounding the governing body’s president.
The FIFA president is reportedly facing what has been described as a “lame-duck” presidency after the governing body controversially lifted a one-match suspension for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the 2026 World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium. According to The Times‘ chief sports reporter Martyn Ziegler, the decision has severely damaged Infantino’s standing, with several football associations now reconsidering their support. As noted by GiveMeSport, the fallout has become one of the biggest political controversies of the tournament.
The controversial decision and Trump’s influence
The controversy centers on Folarin Balogun, the United States’ leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup. After receiving a straight red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, Balogun was due to serve an automatic one-match suspension before FIFA unexpectedly suspended the ban for a year, allowing him to face Belgium.
The decision immediately triggered criticism across the football world. Former US President Donald Trump, who has maintained a close relationship with Infantino, publicly thanked FIFA for what he called the reversal of “a great injustice,” further fueling allegations of political interference.
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Although the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, the controversy continued to dominate headlines. UEFA reportedly described FIFA’s decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” while comparisons were made with rejected appeals involving France’s Michael Olise and England defender Jarrell Quansah, whose suspension remained in place.
Infantino’s influence reportedly fading
According to The Times, senior figures within football believe the controversy has significantly weakened Infantino’s authority. One senior football source claimed: “Political interference in football doesn’t get any stronger than what Trump has done, and FIFA’s attempts at an explanation have been ludicrous. Infantino’s power has dried up, he is very isolated now – he will be a lame-duck president.”
The report suggests Infantino may still stand unopposed for re-election in 2027, but his ability to push through major reforms could now be severely limited. Several associations that previously backed him are reportedly reconsidering their support amid concerns over FIFA’s handling of the Balogun case.
Major FIFA plans now under threat
Infantino has relied heavily on support from football associations across Africa, but even that backing is reportedly beginning to weaken. Countries including Egypt and Senegal are said to be reassessing their positions following the controversy.
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According to The Times, the scandal could prevent Infantino from achieving several of his biggest objectives before leaving office, including expanding the FIFA Club World Cup and potentially making the competition a biennial tournament. With term limits preventing him from extending his presidency beyond 2031, the Balogun controversy could prove to be one of the defining moments of his final years in charge of world football.
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