US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he spoke with Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, to review Folarin Balogun’s red card at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
Trump confirmed the phone conversation with Infantino in a
chat with reporters at the White House on Monday.
The US president then clarified that while he requested that
the red card be reviewed, he did not ask for it to be overturned.
“I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul.
All I did was ask for a review, I didn’t say you have to do this,” Trump said.
“That wasn’t even an infraction. That was two guys running
full speed that happened to crash into each other.”
Balogun, who is the leading goalscorer for the US at the
World Cup, was sent off in the 64th minute of the round-of-32 match between the
US and Bosnia & Herzegovina for a dangerous foul. He was supposed to miss
the team’s last 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday.
On Sunday, however, FIFA announced an unprecedented decision
to suspend the 25-year-old’s one-match ban for one year, making him available
for the game.
The ruling has continued to generate backlash for FIFA
globally.
UEFA accused FIFA of crossing a “red line” with the
“unjustifiable” verdict. The European football body added that the decision
“creates a precedent” that could be detrimental to the ongoing FIFA World Cup
or the sport itself.
Also, the Belgian FA described the FIFA ruling as
contravening the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition regulations
and said it is investigating “all potential options” to protect the integrity
of the game.
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