Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros warned that FIFA faces external consequences if it fails to provide transparency regarding the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban.
Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) chief executive Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros warned that FIFA risks losing sponsors and fans if it does not provide full transparency regarding the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan and the Folarin Balogun case. FIFA has not yet committed to an external independent review of the FFE plan developed by President Gianni Infantino, nor has it pledged to disclose details regarding the decision to suspend a one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
The suspension of Balogun's ban followed a request for a review from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino. While FIFA has offered Council members the opportunity to view FFE documents at its Zurich headquarters, Medeiros stated that the facts must be placed in the public domain to maintain market and shareholder confidence. He noted that while sponsors have remained silent thus far, unlike during the 2015 FIFAgate scandal, they remain accountable to consumers and shareholders who avoid brands involved in controversial situations.
Additional developments within the organization include the departure of FIFA’s chief legal officer, marking the second high-profile exit recently. Reports also indicate that FIFA Council member Kohzo Tashima intends to challenge Infantino in the March elections. Medeiros emphasized that homemade working groups or task forces are insufficient, calling for an independent assessment of how the organization is governed and operated.
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