FIFA boss faces calls for investigation over Trump contact in red card reversal
FILE-FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) presents a red card to President Donald Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 2018. - (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino is facing criticism for his involvement in the decision to allow U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card.
Balogun was shown a red card and sent off the field directly for planting his foot on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic during a 2-0 win for the U.S. in the round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1.
The red card would have made Balogun ineligible to play in the team's next game; however, FIFA lifted his suspension for a match on Monday after President Donald Trump got involved with Infantino on behalf of Balogun.
Lawmakers call for investigation of FIFA boss
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Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support to launch an investigation of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
According to The Associated Press, the lawmakers are asking the national football associations of the EU countries to urge the FIFA Ethics Committee to probe Infantino and whether pressure from the Trump administration played a role in the lifting of the suspension, and "other potential breaches of political neutrality" like awarding Trump the FIFA Peace Prize.
RELATED: The FIFA rule that allowed Balogun to play despite red card
FIFA explained to the AP that the lifting of the suspension was the decision of a disciplinary committee.
The decision to let Balogun play was referenced under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary code. This rule gives FIFA discretion to suspend any disciplinary measure.
RELATED: FIFA clears Folarin Balogun to play for USMNT against Belgium
The FIFA Appeal Committee rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) on Monday as "inadmissible" related to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on Folarin Balogun, according to a FIFA release.
The Belgian soccer federation earlier Monday challenged FIFA's ruling to let Balogun play despite getting a red card in the previous match, The Associated Press reported.
European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an "incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," that it said "crossed a red line" by not enforcing Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.