Trump Confirms Request for FIFA Review of Folarin Balogun's Red Card

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, which initially resulted in a one-game suspension.

Key points

• FIFA's disciplinary committee subsequently suspended the one-game ban for 12 months, allowing Folarin Balogun to participate in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
• Donald Trump stated he did not order the reversal but argued the initial red card was an unfair decision for a collision between two athletes.
• The UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) criticized the decision, claiming it undermines the integrity of the World Cup competition.
• Donald Trump questioned the integrity of the referee, Raphael Claus, and suggested reporters investigate his past.

Why it matters

The intervention by a head of state into a major international sporting governing body's disciplinary process has sparked a significant controversy regarding the integrity and independence of the World Cup.