All the presidents’ meddling: the Balogun scandal shows how Fifa can break football

The recent intervention by Donald Trump regarding the suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun's red card has ignited a firestorm of criticism regarding FIFA's influence in football. Critics argue that such political interference compromises the integrity of the sport, turning it into a mere spectacle rather than a contest of skill and passion. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how powerful figures can manipulate outcomes in football, a sport that is meant to be a universal language. With Gianni Infantino at the helm, concerns about FIFA's direction intensify as fans grow wary of football being reshaped into scripted entertainment rather than genuine competition.