- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed he received a call from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the World Cup suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
- Infantino stated that he informed Trump the case is subject to an ongoing legal process, and he sometimes agrees, disagrees, or is surprised by disciplinary decisions.
- The call raises questions about FIFA's neutrality rules, though Infantino has not faced formal ethics proceedings.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed on Thursday that he received a direct phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun from the 2026 World Cup. Infantino said he told Trump that the case is part of an active legal process and that disciplinary outcomes can vary. "I sometimes agree, sometimes disagree, and sometimes I'm surprised by the decisions," Infantino said in a statement.
The call, confirmed by a person familiar with the matter, comes amid heightened scrutiny of FIFA's neutrality obligations. Critics argue that high-level political intervention could undermine the governing body's independence. Infantino, however, defended the conversation as routine diplomacy, noting that engagement with host nations is essential for the success of the tournament. Attempts to reach FIFA's ethics committee for comment were unsuccessful.
The situation adds a layer of complexity to ongoing governance debates, with some stakeholders calling for clearer boundaries between sport and politics. Balogun's suspension remains under review, and no timeline for a final decision has been announced.