TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A group of 72 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has called for FIFA's Ethics Committee to review whether FIFA President Gianni Infantino had any involvement in the controversial reversal of United States striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension, following claims that political pressure may have influenced the decision.
As reported by France 24, viral social media posts viewed millions of times have falsely claimed that the European Parliament itself had launched an investigation into Infantino. In reality, no formal inquiry has been opened, and the initiative comes from 72 individual MEPs rather than the European Parliament as an institution.
The controversy stems from FIFA's decision to overturn Balogun's automatic one-match suspension after he received a red card during the United States' Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US President Donald Trump later acknowledged that he had personally asked FIFA to review the incident, telling reporters he believed Balogun's dismissal was unjustified.
Infantino confirmed he had spoken with Trump but denied influencing the disciplinary process, maintaining that FIFA's independent judicial bodies handled the case.
According to Euronews, the lawmakers' letter, dated July 8, was addressed to the presidents of the 27 national football associations across European Union member states rather than to FIFA directly.
The letter urges those football associations to request that FIFA's independent Ethics Committee examine whether political interference affected the disciplinary process and whether Infantino complied with FIFA's statutes and Code of Ethics, which require political neutrality.
The lawmakers stressed that their concern was not aimed at Balogun personally.
"We are not motivated by any desire to see any individual football player sanctioned," the letter states, emphasizing instead the need to ensure that FIFA's disciplinary rules are applied consistently to protect the integrity of the sport.
Both France 24 and Euronews noted that the letter does not represent the official position of the European Parliament. The legislature has neither adopted a resolution nor voted in favor of launching an investigation into Infantino.
The Balogun controversy has nonetheless intensified scrutiny surrounding FIFA's leadership during the 2026 World Cup.
France 24 reported that Infantino is also facing a complaint submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by a British non-governmental organization, alleging political interference linked to the Balogun case and questioning his public relationship with Trump. The complaint also cites FIFA's decision to award Trump the organization's inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025.
Additional criticism emerged after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States during the tournament. Infantino described the incident as "unfortunate" while urging observers to "chill and relax," comments that drew further criticism.
Questions over refereeing consistency have also surfaced throughout the tournament. Some supporters accused FIFA of favoring Argentina after Infantino told Argentine television that he had "suffered with them" during the team's difficult match against Cape Verde. Although he later insisted he remained neutral, the remarks fueled renewed debate over FIFA's impartiality.
Neither FIFA nor Gianni Infantino has publicly responded to the letter from the 72 lawmakers. FIFA has consistently maintained that the decision to lift Balogun's suspension was made independently by its disciplinary committee and not influenced by political considerations.
Read: World Cup: Balogun Red and Expansion Keep FIFA in Spotlight
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