Washington, D.C.: President Donald Trump confirmed that he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
FIFA later suspended the red card, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 while postponing any disciplinary ban.
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Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, you have to do this.” He added that he wanted the best players available on the field and believed the decision against Balogun was unfair.
Infantino acknowledged receiving Trump’s call but stressed that FIFA’s judicial bodies act independently and that he had no role in the final decision. He said, “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent.”
Trump also said he initially did not understand the impact of a red card but later felt the punishment was excessive. Calling the decision a “horrible” one, he argued the incident involved two players colliding rather than a serious foul.
A U.S. official also confirmed that Trump and Infantino spoke, with the President seeking clarity on the referee’s decision and the suspension process.
