FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday that he spoke with the US president Donald Trump on the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card, but told him that the case will only be decided by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.The clarification came after FIFA cleared 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 had influenced the outcome.“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. His independence is essential for the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” Infantino said in a statement posted on FIFA’s X handle.“Yes, I regularly discuss issues related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I received a call from President Donald Trump, as I received calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business leaders of the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was a legal process going on involving judicial bodies and independent bodies deciding that the bodies judicial in the case of FIFA. That’s how the FIFA system works, and it’s a principle I will always support.”Balogun, the United States’ leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, was sent off after stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic during a 2-0 win in the round of 32 on Wednesday. The red card resulted in an automatic one match suspension.However, FIFA lifted the suspension on Sunday, making Balogun available for the Monday 16th clash against Belgium in Seattle. Belgium said it would challenge the decision.The ruling sparked debate among fans and political leaders, with many questioning whether Trump’s call to Infantino had played a role in FIFA’s decision.Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision after the suspension was lifted.“Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and putting an end to 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 had only pointed out that the referee’s decision against Balogun appeared to be wrong and deserved another look.A win over Belgium would send the United States into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.FIFA’s statutes prohibit governments from interfering in the affairs of soccer’s governing bodies. The organization has regularly suspended member associations in cases where governments have intervened in football administration.