U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally spoke with Gianni Infantino about the controversial red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun, insisting he only requested a review of the decision and did not pressure FIFA to overturn it.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he believed the incident involving Balogun should never have resulted in a red card, describing it as an accidental collision between two players rather than a foul.
“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. And, you know, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”
Trump also defended FIFA’s subsequent decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, while criticizing the referee’s original decision.
“I think they made a really brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine, nobody talks the referee’s decision to red card.”
He maintained that his involvement was limited to requesting a review of the incident.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’ This man is smart and tough, Gianni Infantino. I feel we have all the best players on the field.”
Trump’s admission comes after FIFA reversed Balogun’s suspension ahead of the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 clash with Belgium, a decision that has drawn criticism from football officials, governing bodies, and fans over concerns about political interference in the sport.
Reactions
@230Idris:
“If other country try this… The slogan could have been different… What a bais world we live in.”
@preciousawaSMM:
“Omo.”
@Ym_flashbuoy:
“FIFA’s reputation is in the mud.”
@Segzvick:
“Isn’t this abuse of power though.”
@CreamyGracei:
“Football should be decided on the pitch, not in political meetings. Agree or disagree?”
@FablosJanny:
“A review, for a final decision. Trump please nah 🤣.”
@MARCEL081441:
“He’s trying to rig the beautiful game.”
@ghostoftrafford:
“These are the rubbish they do in their soccer.”
@Cold_wota:
“This World Cup is going to be interesting….”
@marvo_sneh_:
“Make he rest.”
