FIFA Scandal: Trump Allegedly Called Infantino to Overturn US Player's Suspension, Angering Belgium
US President Donald Trump reportedly phoned FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun to be overturned before the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, sparking outrage among Belgians.
FIFA on Sunday decided to suspend the one-match ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun after he received a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun stepped on an opponent's foot in the second half, resulting in a sending-off. FIFA announced that the suspension has been deferred for a one-year probation period, meaning the ban will only be enforced if Balogun commits a similar offense within that time.
The decision caused a stir. The New York Times reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the conversation, that Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the game and urged him to review the red card decision. Meanwhile, talkSPORT claimed that multiple White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were involved in the discussions. Trump himself praised FIFA on his social media platform Truth Social, writing, “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice.”
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed complete surprise at FIFA's decision, while Belgium's head coach Rudy Garcia made a sarcastic remark: “I didn't know that July 5 in FIFA offices is the same as April 1 in Europe.” He declined to comment on whether Belgium would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) or whether Trump's involvement influenced FIFA. The RBFA stated that it “is evaluating all possible further actions” to protect the legal rights of all tournament participants and ensure fair play in this and future FIFA World Cups.
Balogun is a key player for the US, having scored three goals in three World Cup matches so far. Thanks to FIFA's decision, he will be available for Monday's round of 16 match against Belgium, scheduled for July 7 at 3:00 AM Latvian time. The winner will face the winner of the Spain vs. Portugal match on July 10.
