WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun, saying he believed the decision was unfair and could have deprived the American team of one of its key players ahead of a crucial FIFA World Cup knockout fixture.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said he watched the incident and concluded that Balogun’s challenge did not merit a red card or an automatic suspension.
“I spoke to FIFA about it. I thought it was a very harsh decision,” Trump said, insisting that he was simply seeking a fair review of the incident rather than attempting to influence the governing body’s disciplinary process.
Balogun was sent off during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus ruled that his challenge constituted serious foul play following a VAR review. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal triggered an automatic one-match suspension, ruling the striker out of the Americans’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later suspended the one-match ban, allowing Balogun to return to the U.S. squad for the Belgium encounter. While the red card remains on the player’s disciplinary record, the suspension was lifted under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, which permits exceptional relief in certain circumstances.
Trump denied exerting pressure on FIFA, saying he merely requested that the governing body reconsider what he viewed as an unjust decision.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has since confirmed that he spoke with Trump but stressed that the organization’s independent disciplinary bodies make their own decisions without political interference.
The decision has nevertheless sparked widespread debate across the football world. UEFA, the Royal Belgian Football Association and several former players and football officials have questioned both the timing and transparency of the ruling, arguing that it risks undermining confidence in FIFA’s disciplinary system. Belgium lodged a protest over Balogun’s eligibility, but FIFA rejected the challenge.
The controversy has reignited broader discussions about the independence of football’s governing bodies, particularly when political leaders publicly engage with senior FIFA officials during major international tournaments.
Despite Balogun’s reinstatement, the United States’ World Cup campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16, bringing an end to the team’s tournament despite the striker’s availability.