IOC asked to investigate FIFA president’s role in Balogun reversal

The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint alleging FIFA president Gianni Infantino ‌has repeatedly breached rules on political neutrality in his support of President Donald Trump.
FairSquare, a nonprofit organization and advocacy group, asked the IOC to investigate, among several instances, Infantino’s possible involvement in the suspension of a one-game ban for striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play for the United States in a round of 16 match on July 6 against Belgium.
Infantino acknowledged receiving a call from Trump, who publicly lobbied for Balogun to play, but the FIFA president said he did not interfere with the decision-making process.
Balogun played as the USMNT was eliminated 4-1 by Belgium. He had received a direct red card in the 64th minute of a July 1 match for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic.

The US went on to win 2-0 with 10 men in the round of 32, and Balogun was suspended for ‌the next game.
A ‌red card or suspension cannot be appealed. FIFA, however, posted this message ‌without ⁠further explanation to ⁠its website on July 5 about its use of the rule book in the case: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”
“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said on the day of the game against Belgium.

“And, you know, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul.

I thought it was two great athletes that ⁠crashed into each other and got entangled.
“I think they made a really ‌brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible and ‌nobody talks about that.