EU Lawmakers Call for FIFA Probe Over Bias Claims

A group of European lawmakers has called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over allegations of bias in international football, urging a review of controversial decisions made during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Tuesday, they sent a letter to the football associations of all 27 European Union member states, calling for coordinated action against what they described as FIFA's alleged partiality.
The lawmakers argued that an independent investigation is necessary to protect the transparency, neutrality and credibility of the World Cup. They specifically called for a thorough review of FIFA's decision-making process in the controversial Balogun case.
The controversy began last week when U.S. forward Folarin Balogun was shown a straight red card during a World Cup match. U.S. President Donald Trump later described the decision as "unfair."
Soon afterwards, FIFA temporarily suspended Balogun's ban under a legal provision, triggering widespread criticism and allegations of preferential treatment.
Several international media outlets reported that Trump later spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for correcting what he described as "a great injustice." FIFA has not officially commented on those reports.
European football governing body UEFA strongly condemned FIFA's decision, calling it "unprecedented, unbelievable and completely unacceptable."
The lawmakers also urged that other controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup—including refereeing decisions, match management, alleged political influence and sponsor-related issues—be included in any independent investigation to ensure the integrity and credibility of the tournament.

MMR