President Donald Trump said Monday that a personal phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino directly prompted the global soccer body’s review of a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, a decision FIFA ultimately reversed. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump framed the intervention as a matter of fairness, arguing the suspension was unjust because it would have sidelined Balogun for a match not yet played.
“When they take your best player, or just about, they have some great players, and they say you can’t play, that’s very unfair,” Trump told reporters. “It’s one thing to penalize somebody for the game, but how do you penalize them for a game that hasn’t been played yet? You can’t do that. That’s unfair. So yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”
Trump insisted he did not pressure Infantino into overturning the decision. “All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say ‘you have to do this,’” the president said, describing Infantino as a “smart, tough man.” The call and subsequent reversal have ignited debate about political influence in sports governance.
Balogun, a key forward for the U.S. men’s national team, was shown a red card after a video review determined he stepped on the ankle of a Bosnia and Herzegovina player during a Wednesday match. Replays suggested the contact was accidental, and the on-field officials initially did not deem it a sending-off offense. Both players were seen writhing in pain after the incident. Trump admitted earlier that he was unfamiliar with the red card rule before intervening.
A Fox Sports announcer covering the game remarked at the time that Balogun was “a little lucky” not to receive a yellow card, which would not have resulted in a suspension. The red card would have barred Balogun from playing in the high-stakes World Cup match against Belgium.
Trump suggested the outcome of that match hinges on Balogun’s availability. He argued that if Belgium defeats the U.S. with Balogun on the field Monday night, it will have beaten the best the American team could offer. But if the U.S. wins without him, Trump said the result would be viewed as “rigged.” He previously called the match referee “suspect.”
FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s red card has drawn sharp criticism abroad. The Royal Belgian Football Association filed an appeal Sunday, saying it was “astonished” by the reversal. Norway’s coach also blasted the move, calling it a “bad decision.” The controversy threatens to overshadow the match itself and raises questions about the integrity of FIFA’s disciplinary process.
The episode is the latest instance of Trump inserting himself into sports governance, following his administration’s earlier clashes with the NFL and other leagues. Critics argue that presidential involvement in a soccer federation’s rulings sets a dangerous precedent, while supporters see it as standing up for American athletes. The inquiry has sparked outrage among international soccer officials and fans.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on whether Balogun’s presence on the pitch alters the game—and whether Trump’s call will be remembered as a decisive moment or an overreach.
