Infantino: I did receive a call from Trump and Informed him that proceedings are underway
Infantino, President of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), issued a statement:
"I have noted the public comments regarding the decision of FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee on the one-match suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I wish to restate a fundamental principle of FIFA governance.
FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and render rulings on cases based on applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is vital to the credibility and integrity of football, and must always be respected.
Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States. On this specific matter, I did receive a phone call from President Donald Trump, much like the numerous calls I regularly receive from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and corporate executives from across the globe on a wide range of different issues. During our conversation, I explained that legal proceedings involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies are currently underway, and the competent body will deliver a ruling on this case in due course. This is how FIFA’s system functions, and it is a principle I will always uphold.
I read the rulings when FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee releases them. Sometimes I am surprised by these decisions, sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.
Regardless, however, I always respect these decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that issue them. Our personal approval or disapproval of a specific decision is irrelevant. Respect for independent bodies and the rule of law at all times is the bedrock upon which we safeguard the integrity of our competitions and FIFA’s credibility."