Trump Involved in Balogun Red Card Review

President Donald Trump has revealed that he requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to take a closer look at the red card issued to Folarin Balogun, a striker for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following FIFA’s announcement on Sunday that Balogun would be eligible to participate in Monday night’s game, Trump stated in the Oval Office that he wasn’t responsible for overturning the initial decision. He mentioned that he “didn’t think it was a foul.”

“I just asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump told reporters. “I didn’t tell him what to do. I can’t tell him what to do.”

He praised Infantino, describing him as a “smart and tough man,” and emphasized the importance of having top players on the field. “We feel like we’ve got to have all the best players on the field,” he said.

“I thought it was two great athletes colliding and getting tangled,” Trump added.

Trump admitted he didn’t initially grasp the significance of the red card. However, he felt compelled to contact Infantino after realizing the “horrific” decision might prevent Balogun, one of America’s standout players, from participating in the Round of 16 match.

U.S. officials confirmed that Trump reached out to Infantino to understand better why Balogun received the red card and the implications of it. Infantino explained the appeals process, stating it would be overseen by an independent board.

President Trump remarked, “I saw the play. I’m a guy who loves sports… That wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a violation… This referee, if you look at his past, I’m a little suspicious.” He further expressed surprise at the call against Balogun, saying, “I didn’t know what that meant… Well, I asked FIFA for a review.”

Belgium has since appealed the decision, while the European Football Association (UEFA) expressed concerns, stating that the reversal had “crossed a red line.”