The Red Card for Fair Play: How FIFA’s Bungle Exposes the Politics of Soccer

Last week, soccer fans were left bewildered as FIFA allowed American striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a one-game suspension. The astonishing aspect wasn’t the reversal itself but rather the audacity with which FIFA manipulated its own rules to justify it.

At issue is Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which allows for the suspension of disciplinary measures in certain circumstances. FIFA claimed that Balogun’s suspension would be suspended for a probationary period of one year. However, this decision reveals the extent to which politics have infected the beautiful game.

Donald Trump’s involvement in this debacle is symptomatic of a larger problem: the increasing influence of external actors on the governance of international soccer. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has long courted politicians and business leaders to secure funding and support for the organization, compromising its integrity in the process.

Trump’s ability to pick up the phone and ask Infantino to review Balogun’s suspension starkly illustrates this dynamic. When the U.S. government provided “additional evidence” to FIFA, it’s clear that politics were at play – not just on the field but also in the corridors of power.

European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, was scathing in its reaction. They accused FIFA of “crossing a red line” with this decision, which they called “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” The integrity of the game is at stake when its guardians prioritize politics over fair play.

The involvement of external actors on FIFA’s decision-making process has become increasingly brazen in recent years. Politicians and business leaders have inserted themselves into every level – from World Cup hosting rights to referee selection. This has infected the sport itself, with players being judged not just on their skills but also on their politics.

Balogun’s suspension was effectively nullified by Trump’s intervention, sending a clear message that those with influence and power can bend the rules to suit themselves. The legacy of Donald Trump in soccer is one of controversy and manipulation. From securing the 2026 World Cup for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to his ongoing feud with FIFA over player safety regulations, Trump has left an indelible mark on the sport.

FIFA’s willingness to court Trump’s influence – not just in terms of funding but also in policy – is a betrayal of everything that soccer stands for. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, it’s clear that FIFA needs to undergo a radical overhaul. The organization must prioritize transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes and relationships with external actors.

This requires creating clearer guidelines around player eligibility and disciplinary measures, as well as establishing robust safeguards against external interference. It also demands a fundamental shift in the way FIFA approaches its role as guardian of the game. In short, FIFA must rediscover its commitment to fair play – on and off the field.