FIFA moves to avoid repeating Balogun scandal amid accusations of protecting Infantino

FIFA is planning to amend its disciplinary regulations to prevent a repeat of the controversy surrounding American striker Folarin Balogun during the FIFA World Cup 2026, but it is facing a new wave of criticism regarding the proposed amendments, amid accusations that they aim to absolve the federation and its president Gianni Infantino of any responsibility for the crisis.

According to a report by journalist Ben Rumsby in the "Daily Telegraph", the proposed amendment aims to prevent FIFA from suspending the automatic one-match ban imposed on players who receive a direct red card. The federation has sent the proposal to its council members for approval ahead of a scheduled meeting in Zurich on Thursday, October 15, although it was not included in the previously published agenda.

The controversy stems from Folarin Balogun's red card during the FIFA World Cup last summer, where the disciplinary committee decided to suspend the one-match ban based on a provision in the regulations that allows for the suspension of disciplinary penalties. The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had contacted Infantino and asked him to intervene, while the FIFA president denied any influence on the decision, affirming that the disciplinary committee made it independently. The decision sparked widespread objections, including sharp criticism from UEFA, which deemed the move a crossing of a red line.

These moves come at a time when Infantino is facing increasing pressure, with calls for the disclosure of documents and correspondence related to the Balogun case and a previous plan to sell investment shares linked to the FIFA World Cup. Football entities have also filed complaints regarding the management of these files. Critics argue that merely reviewing the regulations is not enough unless it is accompanied by a full clarification of how decisions are made and the responsibilities associated with them, while Infantino denies any wrongdoing.