A formal complaint has landed on the International Olympic Committee’s desk, and it involves two of the most powerful figures in global sports and politics. FairSquare, a human rights organization, filed the complaint on July 13 asking the IOC to investigate FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s alleged role in reversing a suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
The allegation is straightforward but explosive: Infantino may have intervened to lift Balogun’s automatic one-match ban after receiving a phone call from US President Donald Trump. If true, it would represent one of the most brazen examples of political interference in a major sporting event in recent memory.
What actually happened
Balogun received a red card during the US group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under standard FIFA rules, that triggers an automatic one-match suspension.
Shortly after the red card, Trump reportedly called Infantino directly. Not long after that call, the suspension was lifted. Balogun was cleared to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium.
