Trump Admits Intervening to Overturn US Soccer Player's World Cup Suspension

First reported by Ynet · 1 day ago

What happened

US President Donald Trump admitted to calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn the suspension of US soccer player Paularin Balogon during the World Cup, calling the referee's decision unfair. This unprecedented FIFA reversal sparked criticism of political interference in the tournament.

• 01Trump confirmed he called FIFA to overturn US player Balogon's World Cup suspension.
• 02He claimed the foul was not legitimate and the referee's decision was questionable.
• 03FIFA reversed the automatic red card suspension for the first time since 1962.
• 04Other national teams criticized the US government for political interference.
• 05Trump dismissed any involvement by Joe Biden in the matter.
• 06Belgium appealed the decision ahead of their Round of 16 match against the US.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

Full coverage · 10 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

Arutz ShevaRight · Hebrew1 hour ago

Trump Admits Intervening to Overturn US Soccer Player's World Cup Suspension

Now 14Right · Hebrew1 hour ago

European Nations Criticize FIFA After Trump Influences US Player’s Red Card Reversal

YnetCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

White House Orchestrates Reversal of US Player Balogun's World Cup Red Card Suspension

SrugimRight · Hebrew2 hours ago

Trump Admits Intervening in FIFA Decision to Overturn US Player's Red Card

CalcalistUnrated · Hebrew3 hours ago

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

MakoCenter · Hebrew4 hours ago

Trump Admits Involvement in Overturning US Player's Red Card at 2026 World Cup

N12Center · Hebrew4 hours ago

Trump Admits Involvement in Overturning US Player’s Red Card at 2026 World Cup

Kan NewsCenter · Hebrew5 hours ago

Trump Questions FIFA Red Card Decision Against US Player, Urges Review

YnetCenter · Hebrew5 hours ago

Trump Requests FIFA Review of Red Card for US Soccer Star Balogun

WallaCenter · Hebrew5 hours ago

Trump Admits Requesting FIFA to Overturn US Player's Red Card Suspension

Now 14Right · Hebrew5 hours ago

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

YnetCenter · Hebrew5 hours ago

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

Now 14Right · Hebrew9 hours ago

UEFA Condemns FIFA Over Reversed Red Card Suspension After Trump Intervention

Now 14Right · Hebrew9 hours ago

FIFA Cancels US Player Balogun’s Red Card, Sparking French Demand and Belgian Outrage

N12Center · Hebrew9 hours ago

UEFA Condemns FIFA Over US Player's Red Card Reversal After Trump Intervention

MakoCenter · Hebrew9 hours ago

UEFA Condemns FIFA Over Red Card Reversal After Trump Intervention

MakoCenter · Hebrew10 hours ago

Trump Pressures FIFA to Lift US Player's World Cup Suspension Ahead of Knockout Match

N12Center · Hebrew10 hours ago

Trump Pressures FIFA to Overturn US Player's World Cup Suspension

YnetCenter · Hebrew12 hours ago

US Soccer Star Balogun’s Red Card Reversal Sparks Global Controversy and Calls for Similar Appeals

N12Center · Hebrew12 hours ago

Klopp Condemns Trump and Infantino Over Controversial World Cup Red Card Reversal

N12Center · Hebrew12 hours ago

Trump Administration Pressures FIFA to Overturn US Player's World Cup Red Card Suspension

MakoCenter · Hebrew12 hours ago

Trump Administration Intervenes to Overturn US Player's Red Card at World Cup

Kikar HaShabbatRight · Hebrew13 hours ago

Trump Intervenes to Reinstate US Soccer Player Suspended by FIFA, Sparking Belgian Outrage

Now 14Right · Hebrew15 hours ago

Trump Intervenes to Lift US Striker Balogun's Suspension Ahead of World Cup Knockout Match

N12Center · Hebrew23 hours ago

Belgium Protests FIFA's Reversal Allowing US Player to Compete in World Cup Round of 16

MakoCenter · Hebrew23 hours ago

Belgium Condemns FIFA's Reversal Allowing US Player to Play in World Cup Round of 16

YnetCenter · Hebrew23 hours ago

Trump Urges FIFA to Review US Forward's Suspension Before Reversal

Now 14Right · Hebrew1 day ago

FIFA Reverses US Star Pulisic's Suspension Ahead of World Cup Round of 16

N12Center · Hebrew1 day ago

Trump Intervenes to Overturn Florian Balogun's World Cup Red Card Suspension

MakoCenter · Hebrew1 day ago

Trump Intervenes to Reverse Florian Balogun’s World Cup Red Card Suspension

YnetCenter · Hebrew1 day ago

US Forward Balogun Cleared to Play Against Belgium After Red Card Suspension Is Overturned

Related stories

FIFA Softens Suspension for US Player Ahead of World Cup Match Against Belgium Amid Controversy23 hours agoFIFA Considers Letting Trump Join World Cup Trophy CeremonyJun 16, 2026Klopp Condemns Trump and Infantino Over Controversial World Cup Red Card Reversal12 hours agoFIFA Allows Suspended Players to Compete in World Cup Finals in Historic Cases6 hours agoBelgium and UEFA Condemn FIFA Over Florin Balogun Suspension Controversy5 hours agoTrump Envoy Condemns Seizure of Israeli Flag at World Cup MatchJun 18, 2026