“"FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate completely autonomously and make decisions based on the concrete facts before them and the applicable regulations. The independence of these bodies is vital to the integrity and fairness of football and must always be respected." Words by Gianni Infantino.
But if US President Donald Trump claims to have called to request a review of the suspension handed down to striker Falorin Balogun, who was sent off in the USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, and obtained the suspension revoked so he could play in the round of 16 against Belgium, then the interference becomes a serious matter. Trump argues there was no foul, and someone at FIFA must have listened to him. Thus, Belgium's request for an explanation was downgraded to an appeal, which was rejected by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Infantino admitted to receiving the call from President Trump, "as well as from other heads of state," he specified, denying interference. UEFA disagrees, denouncing the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable." FIGC President Giovanni Malagò calls it a dangerous precedent. And the EU Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef, expressed concern about an influence that risks undermining the autonomy of sport. Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter also sounded a harsh slur on the incident.
