During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, FIFA made a highly controversial decision to suspend forward Michael Ballong of the United States team, allowing him to play in the U.S. vs. Belgium quarter-final match. As US President Donald Trump acknowledged that he had asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the suspension penalty, Infantino became a target of criticism for this decision.
According to a report by the US newspaper The New York Times on July 8, European parliament members have recently called for an investigation into Donati's actions to determine whether the decision violated FIFA's political neutrality principles. Previously, the European Football Association Union, which is responsible for managing European football affairs, condemned the decision to temporarily suspend Donati, calling it a “step beyond the boundaries.”
On July 2th, Beijing time, in the U.S.’s semifinal match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balong scored a goal to help the U.S. team advance. However, he was sent off with a red card for stepping on the ankle of opposing player Tarik Mujharemojevic during the second half. According to rules, Balong will be automatically suspended and unable to participate in the next match.
However, FIFA announced on the 5th that, according to Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the suspension of this match was suspended for one year, and a review period was initiated. As a result, the top scorer for the United States team was able to participate in the U.S. vs. Belgium quarter-final match. The Belgian football association filed a complaint before the match, but it was rejected by FIFA.
However, although Barlogon started in the quarter-finals, he failed to score any goals. As a result, the United States was defeated by Belgium with a score of 1-4, and they were eliminated.
Bahrogon's IC photo during the match against Belgium in the United States
The decision by FIFA has sparked widespread criticism. Reports indicate that on July 8 local time, 72 members of the European Parliament wrote letters to the heads of football associations in all 27 EU member states, calling for an investigation into the Balotorto incident.
These parliamentarians pointed out that the FIFA constitution and ethics code clearly stipulate that FIFA should maintain neutrality in political and religious matters, and all football officials must also maintain political neutrality. They called on the heads of football associations in EU member states to jointly pressure FIFA, initiate an investigation into the relationship between Infantino and Trump, and review the decision-making process regarding the suspension of Balotton.
The UEFA also issued a statement on July 6, criticizing the decision to suspend sanctions. It said that this move is "perplexing" and "crosses the line." UEFA Vice President Laura McCullers said, "Any leader could pick up the phone and say that there are precedents for changing player penalties. I think this is very dangerous. Creating an environment where fair play on the field can be undermined is very risky."
Previously, 50 members of the European Parliament sent a letter to FIFA on June 29, accusing Infantino of “repeated violations” of FIFA’s political neutrality principles. In December last year, Infantino awarded the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump. The non-profit organization FairSquare immediately filed a complaint, requesting FIFA to investigate the process by which this award was given. European parliamentarians urged FIFA to address this complaint.
In December 2025, Gianni Venturi and Trump attended the World Cup draw ceremony.
Trump admitted on the 6th that he had called Gianni Infantino to request a review of the ban imposed on Baroni. However, he insisted: “All I did was request a review. I didn’t say ‘you must do this.’”
In response, Gianni Infantino stated: "The judicial bodies of FIFA are independent. They operate according to FIFA's disciplinary regulations and make decisions based on the relevant rules and specific facts. During my conversation with President Trump, I explained that FIFA's independent judicial bodies are carrying out legal proceedings, and the competent authorities will make their decisions at the appropriate time. This is how FIFA operates, and it is also the principle I always adhere to."
The American newspaper The New York Times commented on the 7th, stating that as issues such as Greenland, tariffs, and NATO intensify geopolitical tensions between the United States and Europe, conflicts have now spread to the field of football. The U.S. President's intervention in football affairs has further inflamed Europeans, and European officials who have been suppressing their anger may find it difficult to maintain restraint when faced with controversies related to football matches.
