FIFA President: Trump called me, but the decisions of the disciplinary committee are independent
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, in response to the lifting of the suspension of Folarin Balogun, the U.S. national team forward, confirmed that Donald Trump contacted him regarding this case but emphasized that decisions in such cases are made by FIFA’s independent bodies.
Infantino said that in his conversation with Trump, he explained that the legal process of the case is ongoing and that the final decision is made by FIFA’s independent committees based on regulations and evidence. He added that FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent, and their independence is essential for the credibility and integrity of football.
The FIFA President also stated, ‘I read the decisions of the disciplinary committee after they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them, sometimes I agree, and sometimes I disagree, but whether we personally like a decision or not doesn’t matter. What matters is respecting independent bodies and the rule of law.’