European lawmakers are rallying support for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the controversial decision involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. Despite receiving a red card during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was allowed to play in a subsequent game due to FIFA lifting his suspension.

The red card, shown to Balogun on July 1, would typically render him ineligible for the next game. However, the suspension was lifted by FIFA for a match following intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino on Balogun’s behalf.

In a joint statement, European Parliament members Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters, and Niels Fuglsang have criticized FIFA’s decision. They expressed their view that changing the red card suspension rule mid-tournament undermines justice and fairness. The lawmakers stated, “Once again, Infantino and FIFA have succumbed to the demands of the Trump administration.”

The parliamentarians have urged national football associations within the EU to prompt the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino. Key points for examination include Trump’s influence in lifting Balogun’s suspension and potential breaches of political neutrality, such as Trump receiving the FIFA Peace Prize.

FIFA has responded by stating that the decision to lift the suspension was made by a disciplinary committee. So far, 35 lawmakers have endorsed the call for an investigation.

“Sport derives its beauty from impartiality and transparency,” the lawmakers noted, adding that political pressure compromising fairness in sports is unacceptable. They emphasized that if Infantino allows political influence to dictate player eligibility, the integrity of sports is jeopardized.