Viral claims with millions of views falsely claim. the European Parliament has launched a probe into FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. In reality, the move came from a letter by 72 MEPs to EU football associations, urging them to seek a formal FIFA review into the controversial Balogun red card reversal. No probe has been opened, but the episode adds to growing scrutiny around FIFA’s president.
Viral claims with millions of online views allege that the European Parliament has launched a probe into FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, but there’s a key detail missing.
Whilst the claims suggest that the European Parliament, as an institution, has taken a formal stance against Infantino, it has not.
In reality, the push came from a group of 72 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who signed a letter raising concerns over FIFA’s decision to overturn the World Cup suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun. The distinction may appear technical, but it is significant, as the letter represents the call from a group of individually-elected lawmakers, not the position of the European Parliament.
The letter centres on FIFA’s controversial decision to reverse the red card handed to star US striker Folarin Balogun during the team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though the action put him out of the game and barred him from the next, FIFA suspended that one-match ban just days later, sparking intense global backlash when US President Donald Trump revealed he had contacted Infantino about the incident. Infantino confirmed he had spoken with Trump, but denied having any role in the disciplinary decision, which FIFA said was taken by its independent bodies.
The letter, dated 8 July, was sent to the presidents of the 27 national football associations across the European Union, not directly to FIFA. European lawmakers are urging those associations to support a possible request for FIFA’s Ethics Committee to examine whether Infantino had any involvement in overturning Balogun’s suspension, and whether political pressure from the Trump administration influenced the decision.
So far though, no probe has been opened, and it remains a request from 72 MEPs.
The Balogun controversy is not the only issue putting Infantino under scrutiny during the World Cup. The FIFA boss is also facing a complaint filed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by a British NGO over allegations of political interference linked to the Balogun affair and his public relationship with Trump. The complaint also references FIFA’s controversial decision to award Trump the organisation’s inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” last December.
Infantino faced further criticism after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry to the United States. At the time, Infantino described the situation as “unfortunate” but urged people to “chill and relax.”
Beyond political criticism, FIFA has also faced complaints from fans and pundits over alleged refereeing inconsistencies during the tournament. Some supporters have accused the organisation of favouritism towards Argentina, claims that intensified after Infantino told Argentine television he had “suffered with them” during the team’s tense match against Cape Verde. Although Infantino added that he remained neutral, the comments fuelled long-running accusations from critics who claim he has shown support for Argentina and Lionel Messi.
