FIFA President Infantino Faces Calls Over Balogun Ban

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure to resign following a controversial decision to suspend a one-match ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun, a move that came after a direct intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision allowed Balogun to play in the U.S. team's Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6, a game the co-hosts lost 4-1 in Seattle.

The controversy stems from a red card Balogun received during the U.S. victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The dismissal triggered an automatic one-match suspension. However, on July 5, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced it was suspending the ban for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, making Balogun eligible for the crucial knockout game.

President Trump confirmed he called Infantino to request a review of the red card, which he argued was not a foul. In a statement on July 6, Infantino acknowledged receiving the call but defended FIFA's processes, stating that judicial bodies are independent and that he respects their decisions even when he personally disagrees with them. Trump later said he only asked for a review and...