Why European backlash over Trump intervention won't worry Infantino

Why European backlash over Trump intervention won't worry InfantinoTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, President Trump on Balogun red-card suspensionByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished6 minutes agoCommentsGianni Infantino has been Fifa president for 10 years.Next year, he is up for re-election.From the Fifa Peace Prize, to the vastly inflated ticket prices at the World Cup, to the Club World Cup, Infantino's tenure has been increasingly controversial.But could the unprecedented decision to cancel Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension for their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium be the tipping point?In a tournament they have co-hosted, Balogun has been the United States' best player, with three goals so far.Now, despite being sent off, he is available for their next game - even though World Cup rules don't allow appeals against red cards.On Monday, more than 24 hours after its initial decision, Fifa released an 871-word statement that shed little light on why it made the call. But someone else has."I'm the one that got them to do it," said US President Donald Trump when asked if he had put in calls to Infantino.Trump said "all" he did was ask for a review. He said he did not tell Infantino to suspend Balogun's ban.But that such an intervention happened at all is a major concern across football.In the US, the narrative has been about unfairness. That Balogun should not miss another game. That being sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina and missing the rest of that game had been punishment enough.Those sentiments were echoed by Trump. Infantino rejected any suggestion there was political interference, insisting the disciplinary committee was independent.But perception is just as important.The decision has not benefited just any team. It has gone to the co-hosts. Led by Trump - a man who has stood side by side with Infantino a...