By Peace Udugba
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has questioned reports that Donald Trump intervened in FIFA’s disciplinary process by personally contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the ongoing World Cup.
Blatter criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban imposed on Folarin Balogun, raising concerns over the reported involvement of the U.S. president in the governing body’s disciplinary affairs.
The former FIFA chief directed his criticism at his successor, Infantino, following claims that Trump telephoned the FIFA president in an effort to influence the outcome of Balogun’s disciplinary case.
The controversy has sparked debate over the independence of FIFA’s decision-making process, with Blatter questioning whether outside political influence should have any role in football governance.
