Trump says he prompted FIFA review of Balogun red card, cites final decision by FIFA

President Donald Trump told reporters that he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun during the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Trump said he only asked for a second look and did not demand a specific result. FIFA later lifted the one-game suspension, allowing Balogun to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium, which the United States lost 4-1.

"All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’"

Trump described the original referee decision as "horrible" and expressed doubt that a foul had occurred, suggesting the players had simply collided. He also criticized the use of slow-motion video review, arguing it can make actions appear more aggressive.

FIFA President Infantino issued a statement confirming that the disciplinary process was handled by the organization’s independent judicial bodies and that the decision was made independently of any external influence.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz thanked Trump for intervening, calling the red card "ridiculous," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said lifting the sanction was the right decision. The Belgian federation objected to Balogun’s eligibility, and UEFA described FIFA’s reversal as "incomprehensible and unjustifiable."

The Brazilian soccer federation defended referee Raphael Claus, who issued the red card, stating there was no evidence to question his integrity. The incident sparked debate over the use of video review and the appropriate role of political figures in sports disciplinary matters.