On July 8, local time, 72 members of the European Parliament jointly wrote to the football associations of the 27 EU member states, calling for the FIFA（FIFA）Regarding the decision to suspend the implementation of the red card suspension of the US team striker Florin Balogon, the relevant investigation was launched against FIFA President Infantino.

Infantino. Source: Xinhua News Agency

In a joint letter, 72 lawmakers called for an investigation into whether Infantino was involved in the decision to suspend the implementation of the Balogun red card, and whether pressure from the US government was a factor in the decision.

According to a report from the European edition of "Political News Network", the parliamentarians who signed the letter believe that since FIFA enforces the relevant ethics standards for the football associations of the 27 EU member states, these football associations also "have the right to hold senior FIFA officials accountable".

Earlier, in the US team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32, Balogon was sent off directly by a red card for trampling on his opponent's ankle. According to the regulations, Balogun will be suspended automatically and will miss the next match. But after US President Trump called to communicate, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that the suspension was suspended for one year. This "amnesty" decision allowed Balogun to start the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium.

Balogun has become the first player since the introduction of the red‑and‑yellow‑card system at the 1970 World Cup to remain eligible to feature in his team’s next World Cup finals match after receiving a red card.

On July 6, local time, the United States played against Belgium in the knockout 1/8 final of the US-Canada-Mexico World Cup. The figure showsBalogun is in the game. 

This decision by FIFA has sparked widespread controversy. The Belgian Football Association filed a complaint before the game, saying that the move "directly violated" the game rule book, but was rejected by FIFA; UEFA also issued a statement criticizing FIFA's practice of "crossing the red line", which will affect the entire football world. Have a negative impact. Infantino issued a statement on the matter on the 6th, admitting that he "often exchanges views with Trump on World Cup-related matters", but the FIFA judiciary is independent and he did not participate in the final decision-making.

FIFA has not yet responded to the letter.

In addition, Infantino may also face an investigation by the International Olympic Committee. According to reports, some international organizations have indicated that they will file a complaint in this regard, pointing out that Infantino has too close a personal relationship with Trump, which seriously violates the core principle of the Olympic Charter that members must maintain political and commercial independence. At the end of 2025, Infantino set up the FIFA Peace Prize and personally presented the award to Trump, which aroused collective doubts from members of the European Football Association and the European Parliament; in February 2026, he attended the Peace Council chaired by Trump. As an open political platform.

IOC President Coventry revealed in an interview that no formal complaint has been received and an investigation will be launched once it is received.