European backlash over Trump intervention won't rattle Infantino — here's why

Ten years into his reign as FIFA president, Gianni Infantino is no stranger to controversy. Yet the latest firestorm — involving U.S. President Donald Trump, a rescinded red card, and Folarin Balogun — may be the most explosive yet. Next year, Infantino faces re-election. And while the uproar from European football figures has been loud, don't expect it to loosen his grip on power. At the center of the storm is Balogun, the U.S. striker who was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the group stage. Under World Cup rules, red cards cannot be appealed. But FIFA, in an unprecedented move, wiped the suspension, clearing Balogun to face Belgium in the Round of 16. FIFA released a lengthy statement offering little clarity. But Trump was blunt: "I'm the one that got them to do it." He claimed he only asked for a review, not a reversal. Infantino dismissed any suggestion of political interference, insisting the disciplinary committee acted independently. But to many in the game, the optics are damning. "This is our sport, not theirs," fumed former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp. "If Trump and Infantino sorted this out between themselves, it calls everything into question." The irony isn't lost on critics. FIFA's statutes forbid political meddling — nations have been suspended for less. Pakistan, for instance, has been banned three times in eight years over government interference. Yet Infantino has actively courted Trump, presenting him with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw. "You can always count on my support, Mr. President," Infantino said then. Human rights groups and European lawmakers have complained to FIFA's ethics committee about that award, and about Infantino's political neutrality. So far, silence. Trump hasn't attended a single World Cup match. Still, he took ownership of the Balogun decision, making it his own. For many in Europe, it's the latest sign that FIFA under Infantino operates with impunity. Add in the Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry to the U.S., the chaotic kick-off time flip-flop for England vs. Mexico, and a pattern emerges: decisions made in a vacuum, with football told to accept and move on. "Just chill, relax," Infantino said of Artan's situation. The European backlash is real. But Infantino has weathered worse. With reelection approaching, and with a powerful ally in the White House, the FIFA president shows no signs of being shaken.