FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of the organization’s judicial process following widespread reaction to the suspension of Folarin Balogun by FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement, Infantino stressed that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and make decisions based solely on the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the applicable regulations, and the facts presented in each case.
“The independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies is fundamental to the credibility and integrity of football,” he said. “That independence must always be respected.”
Addressing reports of political involvement, Infantino confirmed that he received a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that such conversations are not unusual given his role.
“I regularly discuss matters relating to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States,” Infantino said. “President Trump did call me regarding this matter, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders, and business leaders around the world on a range of issues.”
He added that during the conversation, he made it clear that Balogun’s case was still undergoing FIFA’s independent legal process and would be decided by the appropriate judicial bodies without outside influence.
“That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold,” he stated.
Infantino also acknowledged that he does not always agree with disciplinary rulings after they are issued.
“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are published. Sometimes they surprise me. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I don’t,” he said.
Despite his personal views, the FIFA president emphasized that respect for the organization’s independent institutions remains non-negotiable.
“Whether we personally agree with a decision is irrelevant,” Infantino concluded. “Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what safeguards the integrity of our competitions and preserves FIFA’s credibility at all times.”
