World Sep 06 Infantino to stand for re-election as FIFA president despite failed World Cup sell-off plan By James Robson, Associated Press
World Aug 01 Infantino abandoned his World Cup equity plan after seismic FIFA backlash. Here's what to know “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the… By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press
World Jul 31 Senior FIFA executive says staff were deceived over Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan Kevin Lamour wrote that staff were “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of openness in planning the sale over recent months and “deserve better than contempt and intimidation.”… By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press
World Jul 27 FIFA's Infantino lashes out at critics he says spread 'hate and false rumors' about World Cup FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup for Iran team officials, a Somali referee and fans being denied entry to the United States; alleged political influence by U.S. President Donald Trump in letting Folarin Balogun avoid a ban for a red card; unprecedented high ticket prices and commercialized… By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press
World Jul 08 FIFA's Infantino targeted by complaint to Olympic ethics body after Trump lobbying on Balogun ban Trump took credit Monday for FIFA’s decision — unprecedented in modern World Cup history — to let United States forward Folarin Balogun play Monday against Belgium despite getting a red card in the team’s previous game. By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press
Jul 06 WATCH: Trump praises 'really brilliant decision' on Balogun's red card after he called FIFA's Infantino By Collin Binkley, Seung Min Kim, Associated Press President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States’ star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome. Continue reading
Jul 06 Infantino says he told Trump the Balogun red card would be decided by independent bodies By Associated Press FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he discussed the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun with Donald Trump. Continue reading
Jul 06 What to know after FIFA lifts suspension of U.S. star Folarin Balogun By James Ellingworth, Associated Press FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium. It has also sent soccer fans -- and political leaders -- around the world into a frenzy. Continue reading
Jul 06 FIFA questioned as Trump, Infantino defend actions surrounding ruling to let Balogun play in U.S. match By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not," UEFA said, adding "the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."… Continue reading
Jul 05 AP report: FIFA lifts U.S. player Balogun's red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino By Ronald Blum, Michelle L. Price, Associated Press “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said in a statement on social media. Continue reading