FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation following a controversial decision at the ongoing World Cup. The controversy centres on the overturning of a suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun, a move that has sparked outrage across the football world and beyond.
Balogun, who had been sent off while playing for the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was subsequently permitted to participate in the USA's Round of 16 match against Belgium. This decision by a FIFA disciplinary committee came after an alleged personal intervention from former US President Donald Trump, who reportedly boasted about contacting Infantino to request a "review" of the sanction. Trump and Infantino are known to have a long-standing friendship, with Trump having received the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" at the World Cup draw in December.
The apparent political interference has provoked a strong backlash. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is reportedly set to become the new Germany manager, expressed his dismay, stating, "This is our sport, not theirs. If Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino really sorted this out between themselves, it is madness; it calls everything into question." Gary Lineker, the former England striker, suggested that USA manager Mauricio Pochettino or Balogun himself should have considered declining to play him in the subsequent match against Belgium, citing concerns for the game's integrity.
The criticism extends beyond footballing figures. Sepp Blatter, Infantino's predecessor who was impeached in 2015, has also condemned the FIFA President, as has UEFA, European football's governing body. In the UK, prominent British politicians and David Bernstein, a former chairman of the Football Association, have added their voices to the calls for Infantino's departure. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, emphatically stated that "Infantino must go," adding, "No matter where it’s held, the World Cup belongs to the fans – not gangsters like Trump."
Infantino has been at the helm of FIFA since 2016, having been re-elected unopposed twice. Earlier this year, he confirmed his intention to seek another four-year term in 2027. This latest controversy, however, casts a significant shadow over his leadership and raises serious questions about the impartiality and governance of the world's most popular sport.