FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday that he had spoken with the US President Donald Trump about the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card but he was told that the case will only be decided by the independent judicial bodies of FIFA.The clarification came after FIFA allowed Balogun to play in the United States. FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium, a decision that drew criticism and raised questions about whether Trump’s intervention influenced the result.“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They act autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and it must always be respected,” Infantino said in a statement posted on FIFA’s X handle.“Yes, I always discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and in this regard, I received a call from President Donald Trump, just as I received calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. That’s how the FIFA system works, and it’s a principle I’ll always hold.Balogun, the United States’ leading scorer in the tournament with three goals, was sent off after awkwardly stepping on the right ankle of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic during Wednesday’s 2-0 win in the round of 32. The red card resulted in an automatic one-match suspension.However, FIFA lifted the suspension on Sunday, making Balogun available for Monday’s round-of-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle. Belgium said it would challenge the decision.The decision sparked debate among fans and political leaders, with many questioning whether Trump’s call to Infantino played a role in FIFA’s decision.Trump accepted FIFA’s decision after lifting the suspension.“Thank you to FIFA for doing what is right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said Sunday on social media after Balogun’s suspension was lifted.On Monday, Trump defended his decision to contact Infantino, saying he only pointed out that the referee’s decision against Balogun seemed improper and deserved a review.A win over Belgium would send the United States into the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 2002.FIFA laws prohibit governments from interfering in the affairs of football’s governing bodies. The organization often suspends members’ associations in cases where governments intervene in football management.