Trump asks FIFA to review Balogun's red card, criticizes referee

US President Donald Trump admitted on Monday that he personally requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the red card suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun. The incident occurred in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Balogun was sent off after a VAR review for stepping on a defender's leg.

FIFA initially imposed a mandatory one-match ban, which cannot be appealed. However, on Sunday, the organization announced that following Trump's call, the suspension would be deferred for a year. Trump defended his intervention, claiming the incident was not a foul but a collision between two players running at full speed. He also harshly criticized Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, calling him "suspicious."

The president further stated that if Belgium defeats the US, it would be a "fake victory," referencing his baseless claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Infantino denied any influence, insisting that FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently.

Close ties between Trump and FIFA were highlighted in December when the president received the newly created FIFA Peace Award, which he described as one of the greatest honors of his life. Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament, will now play in the round of 16 against Belgium.