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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is to be investigated by the European Parliament after the organisation overruled the Folarin Balogun red card.
Earlier this week, Belgium requested a formal explanation of why Balogun had his one-game suspension for a red card overturned by FIFA.
Balogun, who was sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, was available to play in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday, a game in which the USA lost 4-1.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday his involvement, telling a press conference at the Oval Office that “I asked for a review from Fifa” as “it wasn’t a foul” in what was perhaps the most controversial moment of the World Cup so far.
Now, as pressure grows on Infantino to explain the decision, 72 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have officially written to the heads of the 27 EU football associations.
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“In light of the decision taken on Sunday to suspend the implementation of an automatic one-match suspension, we feel that it is time for European Football Associations, all of whom are member associations of FIFA, to intervene and ask that FIFA investigate the aforementioned decision-making processes.
“FIFA’s statutory rules and code of ethics provide a very clear basis for member associations to intervene and demand an investigation.”
The statement went on to speak on “political neutrality” and “links to President Trump” as the organisation suggested that Infantino’s decision was heavily influenced by the US and more specifically the president.
Infantino has since defended his role in the decision to grant Balogun a reprieve and he denied political interference in the decision.
