New York Post alleges Infantino intervened in Balogun suspension case

FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally intervened in US forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension following a call from Donald Trump, the New York Post alleged in an October 14 report citing four sources inside the organisation.

The newspaper’s sources alleged that Infantino assured the US president he could resolve the matter with one telephone call. The account concerns events during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

During the tournament, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the implementation of Balogun’s ban following a red card. That allowed him to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, which the United States lost 4–1.

Trump subsequently said he had contacted FIFA after the forward’s dismissal and thanked the organisation for changing the decision.

In response to the New York Post’s inquiry, FIFA said its position was unchanged. It cited Infantino’s earlier statement acknowledging Trump’s call but saying he had explained that independent FIFA judicial bodies were handling the case. Infantino said he respected those bodies’ independence and decisions.