Infantino controversy erupts, Kane seeking history-defining moment against Messi

The Infantino controversy erupts as FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces calls for IOC scrutiny amid claims related to a World Cup suspension decision. A nonprofit advocacy group, FairSquare, reportedly asked the International Olympic Committee to investigate whether Infantino influenced FIFA’s choice to suspend the ban for Folarin Balogun after the U.S. player was sent off in the round of 32 versus Bosnia & Herzegovina for a brutal tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA’s disciplinary committee reportedly overturned the sanction, and U.S. president Donald Trump later said he called Infantino to request a review. Infantino denied involvement. The article also frames England captain Harry Kane’s World Cup run, citing six goals in six matches, including a decisive brace vs. DR Congo and a converted penalty and assist work in the round of 16 win over host Mexico.