United States President Donald Trump has admitted asking FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the one-match suspension initially imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun ahead of Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Belgium.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, July 6, 2026, Trump described Balogun’s dismissal in the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina as unfair, arguing that the striker should not miss a crucial knockout match because of the red card.
Trump confirmed he personally appealed to Infantino for a review and also renewed his claim that he played a key role in securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the United States, alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
He also criticised Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who sent off Balogun after a VAR review. However, FIFA and Brazilian authorities have found no evidence of wrongdoing against the official.
READ ALSO: UEFA Slams FIFA Over Balogun Ban Reversal Ahead Of Belgium Clash
FIFA later cleared Balogun to play against Belgium after reviewing the suspension.
The decision has drawn criticism from former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who warned against political interference in football’s disciplinary process, insisting that sanctions should be determined solely by established regulations.
UEFA also faulted the move, maintaining that an automatic one-match suspension following a red card is mandatory and should not be altered during a tournament, warning that such exceptions could undermine the integrity of the competition.
Belgium’s football federation also challenged Balogun’s eligibility before FIFA upheld its decision to allow the striker feature in Tuesday’s last-16 encounter.