US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, insisting he did not pressure football’s governing body to overturn the disciplinary decision.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he only asked FIFA to take another look at the incident after learning that Balogun’s one-match suspension would rule him out of the United States’ FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
According to Trump, he believed the incident did not warrant a straight red card and described it as an accidental coming together between two players.
“I asked them to review it,” Trump said, maintaining that the final decision rested entirely with FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.
FIFA Lifts Suspension
Balogun had been sent off during the United States’ group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a dismissal that automatically triggered a one-game suspension.
However, FIFA later overturned the suspension under its disciplinary procedures, making the striker available for the knockout match against Belgium. The decision immediately sparked criticism from several European football officials, who questioned the circumstances surrounding the reversal.
Belgium’s football authorities subsequently challenged Balogun’s eligibility, but FIFA dismissed the appeal, allowing the American forward to feature in the Round of 16 fixture.
Trump Defends His Call
Trump rejected suggestions that he had attempted to influence FIFA’s disciplinary process.
According to the US President, his conversation with Infantino was simply a request for fairness rather than an attempt to dictate the outcome.
He also criticised Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for issuing the red card, arguing that the challenge did not deserve such a severe punishment.
Trump described Infantino as “a smart, tough man” and said FIFA ultimately reached its own conclusion after reviewing the case.
Infantino Responds
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump’s phone call but stressed that the organisation’s judicial system operates independently.
According to Infantino, he informed Trump that the case would be handled through FIFA’s established disciplinary process and that any decision would be made by the body’s independent judicial authorities rather than by FIFA’s leadership.
He added that respecting the independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies is essential to maintaining the credibility and integrity of international football competitions.
Backlash Over the Decision
The controversy quickly extended beyond the United States, with UEFA and several European football figures criticising FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension.
Critics argued that the move created the perception of political influence over football governance, while FIFA insisted the ruling was reached through its disciplinary procedures and not because of outside pressure.
Despite Balogun’s reinstatement, the United States was eliminated from the tournament after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, ending its World Cup campaign amid continuing debate over FIFA’s handling of the case.
