Trump Involves FIFA in Balogun’s Red Card Review

President Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to review the suspension of U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun. This came before FIFA decided to allow the striker to play in Monday’s match. During an Oval Office event, Trump responded to a reporter’s question. He stated, “I asked for a review by FIFA.” However, he added, he had “nothing to do with the decision.”

The decision reversal by FIFA has created a stir in the sports community. The U.S. is gearing up for a match against Belgium. Balogun, considered a top U.S. player, was initially banned after receiving a red card the previous week.

The president confirmed he discussed the issue with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom he called “highly respected.” Trump expressed his understanding of sports. He stated he did not view Balogun’s action as a foul. He described the incident as “two great athletes crashing into each other.” He emphasized it was not a deliberate act, like “punching somebody in the face.”

Trump criticized the referee’s decision and the idea that the player might miss the next World Cup match. A photo captured Trump shaking hands with Infantino in the Oval Office on March 7, 2025. Trump questioned the fairness of penalizing a player for a game yet to be played. He insisted, “It’s very unfair. You can’t do that. So, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”

The president argued for using top players regardless of the circumstances. When asked about setting a precedent for leaders to intervene, he denied influencing the decision. Confidently, he added, “The game tonight is going to be amazing.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election resurfaced as he suggested, “if they beat us, then they can be really proud. The other way, if they beat us, I say it was rigged, just like the election was rigged in 2020.”

Folarin Balogun received his red card during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which the U.S. won. American fans expressed outrage over the decision, fearing for the team’s prospects without Balogun. The red card resulted from a replay showing Balogun accidentally stepping on an opponent’s leg.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who attended the game with Infantino, initiated calls to explore options, as appeals of this nature are rare. Andrew Giuliani, Head of the FIFA White House Task Force, informed Trump of the situation. This led to strategic discussions on federal support for the U.S. soccer team’s appeal case.

The president sought clarity on the reasons behind the red card and suspension from Infantino, according to a U.S. official. “The U.S. government provided additional evidence used in the appeal process,” the official noted. “Ultimately, the correct and proper outcome was achieved.” An independent board manages the appeal process, the U.S. official added.

The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement Monday. It stated its intention to challenge Balogun’s eligibility for the match. The statement expressed ongoing concerns about the case’s implications for football’s ethics and competition.