FIFA President Infantino Says He Told Trump Disciplinary Process Is Independent

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that he informed United States President Donald Trump that the governing body’s disciplinary process operates independently after the president contacted him over Folarin Balogun’s red card.

In a statement released on Monday, Infantino said he explained that Balogun’s case was already being handled by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and would be resolved through the proper disciplinary procedures.

“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,” Infantino said.

Following a reversal of Balogun’s one-match suspension, the United States forward has been cleared to feature in Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The decision means Balogun is now eligible to play a key role as the United States looks to secure a place in the quarter-finals.