United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued to American striker Folarin Balogun, a decision that led to the suspension of the automatic one-match ban and allowed the forward to play in the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the incident was not even a foul, let alone a red card, and that he merely requested a review of the play.
«Lo único que hice fue pedir una revisión porque no me pareció que fuera falta», Trump said, according to multiple reports. He described the challenge as two players running at full speed who accidentally collided, adding that it was «ni siquiera una infracción». The red card was shown by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus during the United States' match against Bosnia in the round of 32, a decision Trump called «horrible».
FIFA announced on Monday that it had suspended the automatic suspension for Balogun for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows a judicial body to decide to suspend, in whole or in part, the application of a disciplinary measure. The decision effectively cleared Balogun to play against Belgium, a crucial match for the United States in the knockout stage.
Trump acknowledged that he spoke directly with Infantino about the incident but insisted he did not tell FIFA what to do. «No les dije qué tenían que hacer, no puedo decirles qué hacer, lo único que hice fue pedir una revisión», he said. He praised FIFA's subsequent decision as «realmente brillante».
The intervention has sparked controversy in the football world, with critics arguing that a head of state should not influence disciplinary decisions in international sports. UEFA has reportedly expressed concern, with some officials suggesting that FIFA crossed a red line by yielding to political pressure. The Italian newspaperIl Messaggeroquoted UEFA sources saying that FIFA had «passed a red line» by allowing such interference.
Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament for the United States, was initially set to miss the match against Belgium due to the automatic suspension that follows a red card. The decision to suspend the ban has been described as unusual, as such disciplinary measures are rarely overturned after direct communication from a national leader.
The United States is set to face Belgium in the round of 16, a match that carries significant weight for both teams. Trump's confirmation of his conversation with Infantino has added a layer of political and sporting controversy to the buildup, with debates ongoing about the appropriateness of such involvement in football governance.
FIFA has not officially commented on Trump's remarks, but the organization's decision to apply Article 27 has been defended by some as within its legal framework. However, the timing and context of the intervention have raised questions about the independence of football's disciplinary processes.
For the United States team, the focus remains on the match ahead, with Balogun now available to play. The striker's presence could be pivotal for the American side as they seek to advance further in the tournament. Trump's role in the affair is likely to remain a talking point, especially if the United States progresses deep into the competition.