Trump Confirms He Asked FIFA to Review US Player Balogun's Red Card at World Cup

US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he personally requested FIFA to reconsider the red card given to American soccer star Folarin Balogun during the World Cup knockout stage. Balogun, a key player for the US team, had been sent off in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which should have suspended him for the upcoming round of 16 game against Belgium. Trump stated at a White House press conference that he watched the play and believed it was not a foul, calling the referee "a little suspect" based on his past decisions. He clarified that he did not pressure FIFA but simply asked them to review the case.

Following Trump's intervention, FIFA surprisingly overturned Balogun's suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium. This marked the first time since 1962 that a player sent off at the World Cup was permitted to participate in the next match. FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for full or partial suspension of disciplinary sanctions under certain conditions. Trump praised FIFA's decision as "brilliant" and thanked the organization for correcting what he called a "gross injustice."

The US striker, 25, had received a direct red card for a borderline foul on Bosnia's defender Tarik Muharemovic. Balogun is currently the top scorer for the US team in the tournament with three goals. Belgium's coach Rudy Garcia expressed frustration over the reversal, suggesting it undermined the sport's integrity. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed receiving Trump's call but emphasized that FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently and that the call did not influence the decision.

If the US defeats Belgium, it will mark their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002. The controversy has sparked debate about the influence of political figures on sports governing bodies and the precedent set by FIFA's unprecedented disciplinary reversal.