The controversy surrounding FIFA\u2019s decision to rescind the red card given to US forward Folarin Balogun is escalating. On Monday, July 6, 2026, former US President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged that he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the sanction against Balogun. <\/p>\n
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump argued that penalizing a player for a match that had not yet been played was unfair. \u201cOne thing is to sanction someone for a game, but how do you sanction them for a game that hasn\u2019t happened yet? It\u2019s very unjust. You can\u2019t do that,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Trump described the incident that led to Balogun\u2019s red card as a collision between two athletes running at full speed, rather than a foul. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t a foul, not even an infraction. It was two guys running fast who tangled up. This referee, who is a bit suspicious if you look at his past, made a questionable call,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
He also noted that the review by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus was done in slow motion, something Trump said he hadn\u2019t realized was against the rules. \u201cThey say you\u2019re not supposed to show it in slow motion, and I never knew that before. It\u2019s very different,\u201d he commented. <\/p>\n
The red card was originally given during the US vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina round of 16 match at the World Cup, but FIFA\u2019s reversal now allows Balogun, Monaco\u2019s striker and the US team\u2019s top scorer with three goals, to play in the upcoming round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle. <\/p>\n
This decision has sparked backlash, particularly from the Belgian Football Association (RFBA), which has announced it will take all necessary steps to challenge the removal of the sanction. The RFBA has reportedly sent an appeal request to FIFA, while UEFA issued a statement condemning the decision as crossing \u201ca red line\u201d that threatens fair and equal treatment for all teams in the tournament. <\/p>\n
As this debate unfolds, it highlights the complex intersection of sports governance, political influence, and fairness\u2014issues that resonate beyond the pitch and into broader discussions about transparency and accountability in international institutions.<\/p>\n