Debbie Hewitt calls on Gianni Infantino for an independent review of private investors and the Folarin Balogun case

Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association and FIFA vice president, has asked Gianni Infantino for an independent review of the plan to attract private investors for FIFA tournaments and the way the case involving American striker Folarin Balogun was handled. The request comes amid mounting pressure on the FIFA president.

According to DPA, cited by Agerpres, Hewitt sent Infantino a letter seeking clarification about the proposal to create a company to manage the commercial aspects of FIFA competitions and sell 20% of its shares to private investors. The plan was rejected by three continental confederations, and Infantino subsequently abandoned it.

The letter also concerns the decision by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to suspend the enforcement of a one-match ban for Balogun. The striker was therefore able to play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16. The decision was followed by Donald Trump's revelation that he had called Infantino to request a review of the red card received by the player in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On August 5, Infantino apologized for the procedure used in the case involving investors, and FIFA leadership promised a review without specifying who would carry it out. UEFA said it had lost confidence in Infantino and asked U.S. courts for documents concerning the plan. The organization is also seeking a candidate for the FIFA elections in March, while Infantino has confirmed his intention to run for another term.