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World Cup FIFA investigation demanded as 27 countries round on Infantino

Seventy-two European Parliament members have written to 27 EU football associations calling for an immediate FIFA investigation into the decision to lift Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension

[The anger grows]

The anger grows(Image: Dustin Satloff - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is under intense scrutiny once more following demands from 72 European lawmakers for a formal probe to be launched in the wake of the Folarin Balogun controversy. The USMNT forward had been dismissed during the round-of-32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina for what was widely regarded as a lenient challenge at the time.

Balogun was set to sit out the USMNT's round-of-16 encounter with Belgium, but the ban was overturned by FIFA, with Donald Trump claiming responsibility for the U-turn. While the governing body rejected suggestions of political meddling, President Trump boastfully declared his involvement had persuaded FIFA to reverse their decision and permit Balogun to feature.

The move sparked outrage across much of the footballing community, with allegations of corruption being aimed at FIFA in the subsequent days.

[Gianni Infantino has come under yet more pressure]

Gianni Infantino has come under yet more pressure(Image: Getty)

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Balogun did take part for the USMNT against Belgium, though he was powerless to prevent them from suffering a crushing 4-1 loss and exiting the competition.

Despite the co-hosts being eliminated, it seems the pressure on Infantino's position has not eased, with the EU demanding an official inquiry be opened. Reports suggest that 72 members of the European Parliament have formally contacted the 27 EU football associations concerning Infantino and the Balogun saga.

They are calling for an immediate investigation, expressing concerns over the decision-making process that permitted Balogun to participate in the match against Belgium.

The MEPs' letter stated: "In light of the decision taken on Sunday to suspend the implementation of an automatic one-match suspension, we feel that it is time for European Football Associations, all of whom are member associations of FIFA, to intervene and ask that FIFA investigate the aforementioned decision-making processes. FIFA's statutory rules and code of ethics provide a very clear basis for member associations to intervene and demand an investigation.", reports the Express.

They allege that FIFA violated their own internal rules on political neutrality, referencing the FIFA handbook which details when and where politicians should not interfere.

The lawmakers contended: "The requirement of political neutrality is clearly outlined in both the FIFA Statutes and the Code of Ethics. Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes outlines the principle whereby 'FIFA remains neutral in matters of politics and religion', and Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics states that all football officials must remain politically neutral, and provides for strong sanctions for violations.

"Member associations have an important role to play in ensuring that rules are upheld and that those who break them are held accountable. In that regard, we urge you to add your voice to recent calls in support of an investigation into Gianni Infantino's links to President Trump from MEPs and from the Norwegian Football Federation. Any investigation must now include scrutiny of the decision-making process surrounding FIFA's decision to rescind the ban imposed on a member of the US men's national team."

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