Gianni Infantino faces Fifa ethics complaint over Donald Trump call
Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness has called for Gianni Infantino to face an ethics investigation following Donald Trump’s interference in a World Cup disciplinary case.
The US president recently confirmed he personally contacted the head of world football’s governing body regarding a one-match ban handed to American striker Folarin Balogun.
Following the political intervention, the player’s suspension was controversially lifted by tournament authorities.
This unprecedented move prompted the Norwegian FA chief to announce she will recommend a formal grievance to her national board.
Crossing a red line
The Scandinavian official warned that capitulating to political pressure sets a dangerous precedent for the international sport.
“When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk.”
Lise Klaveness
A spokesperson for the international governing body defended the suspension reversal by referencing their internal disciplinary code.
They stated that the independent judicial body retains full discretion to suspend sporting sanctions when deemed appropriate.
History of tension
This is not the first time the Norwegian executive has clashed with the Swiss-Italian administrator over his relationship with the US leadership.
Klaveness previously demanded the abolition of the inaugural ‘Fifa Peace Prize’ after it was awarded to the Republican politician by the 54-year-old president.
She remains adamant that external forces dictated the outcome of this latest disciplinary process.
“If you start to adapt in such a way towards state leaders and state politics, you will move your behaviour, and also the red line of what states’ leaders should interfere with.”
Lise Klaveness