Gianni Infantino speaks out on Balogun red card: 'FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent' |
Gianni Infantino speaks out on Balogun red card: ‘FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent’
FIFA President Gianni Infantino broke his silence on the federation’s decision to reverse a red card handed to American striker Folarin Balogun last week, a controversial move that came at the lobbying of President Trump.
“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance,” Infantino said in a statement issued Monday. “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”
FIFA’s leader acknowledged he spoke with Trump about the call against Balogun, which was widely panned as overly harsh by U.S.........