Trump's call to FIFA sparks controversy over Balogun's reinstatement and U.S. loss to Belgium

FIFA reversed an automatic suspension for United States forward Folarin Balogun on the eve of the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium, allowing him to play despite having received a red card in the previous game. The decision came after President Donald Trump said he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the sanction.

Infantino said in a statement that he regularly receives calls from heads of state and other officials and explained that the matter would be handled by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies. He added that the conversation did not influence the outcome, which would be decided by the appropriate committees.

Trump told reporters that he simply asked for a review because he did not think the foul warranted a red card, and he did not direct FIFA on how to act.

According to a report in The Times, the reversal was made by the chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, Mohammad Al Kamali, without consultation of the full panel.

Balogun told CBS Mornings that the controversy created “a bit of nerves” among his teammates and made it harder to focus on the match. The United States ultimately lost 4-1 to Belgium.

The episode has prompted criticism from commentators and journalists who argue that political involvement distracted the team and that the decision set a concerning precedent for external influence on sporting bodies.