FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the independence of the organization’s judicial bodies following widespread criticism over the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun.
In a statement released Monday, Infantino emphasized that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee operates autonomously, reaching decisions based strictly on the FIFA Disciplinary Code, applicable regulations, and the facts presented in each case.
“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance,” Infantino said.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”
The FIFA president confirmed that United States President Donald Trump contacted him about the matter, but made clear that the disciplinary process was beyond his influence.
“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues,” he said.
“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.”
Infantino acknowledged that he does not always agree with decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee but stressed that respecting the body’s independence remains non-negotiable.
“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree,” he said.
“What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”
