Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Switzerland v Colombia - BC Place, Vancouver, Canada - July 7, 2026 FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Swiss Football Association president Peter Knabel and Colombian Football Federation president Ramon Jesurun inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Albert Gea
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure to resign after overturning a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun following President Donald Trump's personal intervention.
Trump contacted Infantino requesting a review of the suspension, which FIFA's Disciplinary Committee subsequently reversed two days before US's match against Belgium, despite claiming to act independently, reports Keith Rathbone for The Conversation.
The decision produced questions about Infantino's close relationship with Trump, who awarded him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025.
The scandal prompted calls for resignation from Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, German manager Jürgen Klopp, and former England captain Gary Lineker.
"UEFA officials have reportedly been discussing possible alternatives to Infantino," writes Rathbone.
European lawmakers demanded an investigation.
However, Infantino, who became FIFA president as an anti-corruption reform candidate in 2016, has become increasingly authoritarian and less transparent.
He maintains strong support from African and Asian confederations and appears positioned to secure an unprecedented fourth term.
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