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🛒 تسوق الآنBlatter Accuses Infantino of Submitting to Trump: FIFA Independence Under Fire at 2026 World Cup
Blatter Accuses Infantino of Submitting to Trump: FIFA Independence Under Fire at 2026 World Cup
Former FIFA President Blatter: "Infantino Has Submitted to Donald Trump"
Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, has launched a scathing attack on his successor Gianni Infantino, accusing him of bowing to political pressure from US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup. The 90-year-old posted on X that Infantino "has submitted to Trump," igniting fierce debate over FIFA's independence.
The controversy stems from US striker Folarin Balogun, who was shown a red card during a group stage match. Following a direct phone call from Trump to Infantino, FIFA controversially overturned the suspension, allowing Balogun to play in the next knockout match.
The Balogun Red Card Controversy
Folarin Balogun, the 25-year-old AS Monaco striker representing the United States at the 2026 World Cup, received a straight red card in the 67th minute against Ghana. The incident sparked immediate backlash from US fans and media.
According to German media reports including Bild and t-online, Trump personally intervened by calling Infantino. Shortly after the call, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced it had reviewed the incident and overturned the red card, declaring Balogun eligible for the remainder of the tournament. "Final decision: No red card!" FIFA announced, drawing criticism from football officials worldwide.
Blatter's Fierce Accusation
Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before being embroiled in a corruption scandal, broke his silence to deliver a devastating verdict on Infantino's leadership. Writing on X, he stated: "The current FIFA president has submitted to Donald Trump. This is not how football's governing body should operate."
The Swiss former administrator went further, calling for fundamental reform at world football's governing body. "We need a change in FIFA leadership. Football must remain independent of political influence."
German newspaper Bild reported that even Blatter — a figure long associated with FIFA's most controversial era — was "appalled" by Infantino's decision to overturn the suspension following Trump's intervention.
European Football Reacts
UEFA sources expressed displeasure with FIFA's decision, viewing it as a dangerous precedent where political pressure could influence sporting outcomes. Sports sociologist Gunter Gebauer described Trump's intervention as "unprecedented" and "outrageous."
German sports law experts have questioned the legal basis for overturning the red card, noting that FIFA's disciplinary code requires "exceptional circumstances" for such reversals. Critics argue a phone call from a head of state should not justify overturning an on-field decision.
FIFA's Silence and the Bigger Picture
FIFA has not issued an official response to Blatter's remarks. Infantino, who has cultivated a close relationship with the Trump administration during the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has remained silent.
The incident raises serious questions about FIFA's governance. With the 2026 World Cup being the first to feature 48 teams and hosted across three nations including the US, the tournament has been heavily politicized.
For Libyan and Arab football fans, this controversy highlights how geopolitical power dynamics increasingly shape international sport. The incident echoes concerns from the Global South about major political powers influencing global sporting institutions.
What Comes Next for FIFA
Blatter's comments have reopened debate about FIFA's governance structure and its vulnerability to political influence. Whether Infantino will address the allegations remains unclear, but the damage to FIFA's reputation for impartial discipline may be significant.
The Balogun case may become a defining moment of the 2026 World Cup — not for the football itself, but for what it reveals about the relationship between power, politics, and the world's most popular sport.
— Libya Press / Sports Desk
