Calls for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino have emerged over allegations of bias in international football. The demand was raised by a group of European Parliament lawmakers, centered on a number of controversial decisions at the World Cup particularly the suspension of Folarin Balogun's red-card ban.
On wed, July 8, they took a special initiative to scrutinize the role of the FIFA president. To this end, a letter was sent to the football associations of all 27 European Union member states.
The letter calls for coordinated formal action against FIFA's alleged biased conduct. According to European policymakers, action is needed now to protect the transparency and credibility of the World Cup. The letter also demands an independent and impartial investigation into how the decision to suspend Balogun's ban was made.
The controversy originated from a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, in which Balogun received a straight red card. US President Donald Trump later commented on social media that the decision was "unjust." Shortly afterward, FIFA invoked a special legal provision to suspend Balogun's ban.
The matter has generated further controversy following reports of an alleged phone call between Trump and Infantino. Several reports have claimed that Trump called Infantino to thank him for "putting an end to a great injustice," although neither side has officially confirmed this.
FIFA's decision has drawn criticism across Europe. UEFA, European football's governing body, described it as "unprecedented, unbelievable, and completely unacceptable."
Meanwhile, the relevant European Parliament lawmakers also intend to bring refereeing at the 2026 World Cup, controversial decisions, possible political influence, and various sponsor-related allegations under review
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বুধবার, ০৮ জুলাই ২০২৬
Published : ০৮ জুলাই ২০২৬
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