in5points
SportsMint

FIFA World Cup 2026: IOC urged to investigate Infantino over Balogun suspension reversal

in5points
  1. IOC received a complaint seeking investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino over alleged political neutrality breaches.

  2. Complaint cites Infantino's reported role in reversing US striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension during FIFA World Cup 2026.

  3. Balogun received a straight red card in USA's Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina; suspension was automatic under FIFA rules.

  4. FIFA suspended Balogun's ban for a one-year probationary period on July 5, 2026, without explanation.

  5. Infantino acknowledged a phone call from US President Donald Trump, who publicly urged a review, but denied influencing the decision.

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Shobhana Bhartia

HT Media

Shobhana Bhartia (KK Birla family)

Business daily owned by HT Media; majority-controlled by the KK Birla family, chaired by Shobhana Bhartia.

Wikipedia: Shobhana Bhartia