FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing calls for an investigation from European lawmakers over alleged breaches of political neutrality, following a controversial World Cup suspension decision and his relationship with Donald Trump, according to Sportbible.

The Balogun decision sparks controversy

The controversy centres on FIFA’s decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 against Belgium despite serving an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to feature in the match. The United States still suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle, with Mauricio Pochettino welcoming the striker’s unexpected availability before the game. The incident has drawn comparisons with a previous case in which Cristiano Ronaldo was released from a suspension.

European lawmakers demand answers

As reported by Sportbible, 72 Members of the European Parliament have written to the heads of the 27 EU football associations, urging them to push FIFA to investigate how the decision was reached.

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The lawmakers argue the case may have breached FIFA’s own rules, pointing to Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes, which states that “FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion,” and Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which requires football officials to remain politically neutral.

The letter states: “In light of the decision taken on Sunday to suspend the implementation of an automatic one-match suspension, we feel that it is time for European Football Associations… to intervene and ask that FIFA investigate the aforementioned decision-making processes.”

European lawmakers raise neutrality concerns

Seventy-two Members of the European Parliament have formally written to the heads of the 27 football federations under EU jurisdiction, urging an investigation into Infantino’s alleged involvement in the Balogun case. The Athletic reported on this significant intervention, which cites FIFA’s own statutory rules and code of ethics. The letter specifically references:

Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes, which states that “FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion.”

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Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, which mandates that all football officials must remain politically neutral and outlines strong sanctions for violations.

One excerpt from the European Parliament letter underscores their motivation: “In light of the decision taken on Sunday to suspend the implementation of an automatic one-match suspension, we feel that it is time for European Football Associations, all of whom are member associations of FIFA, to intervene and ask that FIFA investigate the aforementioned decision-making processes.”

A significant aspect of the lawmakers’ concern revolves around Infantino’s close relationship with former US President Donald Trump. While the decision to suspend Balogun’s ban was officially attributed to FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee, it was reportedly claimed as a win by the President of the United States. The “spectre of a phone call from Donald Trump to Infantino” has reportedly “haunted the outcome,” raising questions about undue influence.

The European Parliament letter further elaborated on the legal basis for their demands: “FIFA’s statutory rules and code of ethics provide a very clear basis for member associations to intervene and demand an investigation. The requirement of political neutrality is clearly outlined in both the FIFA Statutes and the Code of Ethics. Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes outlines the principle whereby ‘FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion’, and Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics states that all football officials must remain politically neutral, and provides for strong sanctions for violations.”

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This high-level political intervention is being viewed as the first meaningful manoeuvre in a potential long process to challenge Infantino’s leadership, particularly given the United States’ role as a co-host of the World Cup, which has complicated FIFA’s oversight responsibilities. Infantino’s perceived refusal to uphold FIFA’s expected political neutrality has galvanized these European Union lawmakers.

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