Infantino admits Trump call, breaks silence on Balogun red card

• Infantino said he told Trump the case would be decided solely by FIFA's independent disciplinary bodies.
• FIFA rejects Belgium appeal over Balogun eligibility.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has broken his silence following intense criticism over the decision to lift USA striker Folarin Balogun's red card ahead of Tuesday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for a year under a probationary period has caused widespread fury, particularly after it emerged that US President Donald Trump had personally intervened.

Infantino admitted he received a phone call from Trump regarding the matter but firmly hit back at critics, insisting that FIFA’s governance remains entirely neutral.

"Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump," Infantino said. "During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies."

Autonomy of judicial bodies

Infantino emphasized that FIFA's judicial bodies operate autonomously, applying the Disciplinary Code based on specific facts and applicable regulations. He noted that their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football.

"I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree," Infantino added, stating that personal preferences are irrelevant and that respect for the rule of law protects the competition. He stated he receives similar calls on many different issues from heads of state, government officials, stakeholders, and business executives worldwide.

Belgium’s appeal ruled inadmissible

The administrative battle concluded just seven hours before kick-off (1:00 a.m. UK time) when the FIFA appeal committee officially threw out Belgium's counter-protest.

The committee issued a statement confirming that the Royal Belgian Football Association's (RBFA) request to block Balogun's return could not be legally entertained.

The request was officially rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the internal disciplinary proceedings and, as such, possesses no legal standing to appeal the decision.