Story perspectives

Infantino Overturns Balogun Ban After Trump Request, Faces Ethics Probe

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al-Kamali reversed Balogun’s red-card ban, a first.
After President Donald Trump requested a review, Gianni Infantino approved overturn, letting Balogun play.
Seventy-two MEPs urged FIFA’s Ethics Committee to probe pressure on Gianni Infantino’s decision.
FairSquare lodged an IOC complaint that Gianni Infantino breached rules in the Balogun case.
Former governance chair Miguel Maduro told a UK hearing that Gianni Infantino resists accountability.

History

Historical Context

On 27 May 2015 U.S. prosecutors indicted 22 FIFA officials, exposing a bribery scheme worth about $150 million and prompting arrests at Zurich’s Baur au Lac hotel. The scandal led the FIFA Ethics Committee to ban President Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini for eight years on 21 December 2015, intensifying calls for independent oversight.

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Story summary

FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al-Kamali reversed Balogun’s red-card ban, a first.
After President Donald Trump requested a review, Gianni Infantino approved overturn, letting Balogun play.
Seventy-two MEPs urged FIFA’s Ethics Committee to probe pressure on Gianni Infantino’s decision.
FairSquare lodged an IOC complaint that Gianni Infantino breached rules in the Balogun case.
Former governance chair Miguel Maduro told a UK hearing that Gianni Infantino resists accountability.

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