The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has defended its judicial independence while addressing the backlash it received over the Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend (on probation) U.S. striker, Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension.

USMNT striker Balogun was sent off in a World Cup round of 32 game against Bosnia-Herzegovina for a studs-up challenge and the usual one-match ban would have ruled him out of the round of 16 clash with Belgium.

However, FIFA unusually suspended the suspension after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called the President of the world’s football governing body, Gianni Infantino, requesting a review, thereby, marking a rare reversal not seen since 1962.

This has led to widespread skepticism and backlash from the public and media, with both parties accusing FIFA of corruption and political interference favoring the US (co-hosts).

With Belgium also appealing the eligibility ruling, Infantino has stressed that he respects decisions he may personally disagree with to uphold institutional integrity.

In a statement on Monday, the FIFA president emphasised that the world’s football governing body operate autonomously under the Disciplinary Code regardless of external input, including his own discussions with world leaders.

“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance,” Infantino said.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.

“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.

“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.

“What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”