Trump Says He Asked for Review of US Player’s Ban, Denies Pressuring FIFA

Trump Defends Role in Balogun Ban Review, Says He Only Sought Fair Reassessment

US President Donald Trump has defended his involvement in the disciplinary case involving United States striker Folarin Balogun, saying he merely requested a review of the player’s red card and did not attempt to influence FIFA’s decision-making process.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed Balogun’s challenge did not warrant a sending-off and therefore asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to have the incident reassessed.

“All I did, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said, describing the referee’s decision as “horrible.”

He stressed that he never instructed FIFA on what verdict to reach, adding that the governing body made its own decision after reviewing the incident.

Following FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s automatic suspension, Trump praised the outcome in a post on Truth Social.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

Balogun Cleared After FIFA Review

The controversy began after Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card initially carried an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA regulations.

However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later suspended the implementation of the ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, placing the sanction on a one-year probationary basis instead. The decision made Balogun eligible to play in the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Decision Draws Mixed Reactions

The reversal has sparked debate over FIFA’s disciplinary procedures. Belgium’s football federation criticised the ruling, arguing that competition regulations provide for an automatic suspension following a red card and questioning the consistency of the governing body’s interpretation of its rules.

The United States welcomed the decision, with Balogun remaining available after scoring three goals during the tournament.

Trump’s public comments have also fuelled discussion over the perception of political involvement in football administration. While acknowledging that he contacted Infantino, Trump maintained that he only requested a review of the incident and did not direct FIFA to overturn the suspension.

The episode has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s disciplinary process and the circumstances under which exceptional provisions can be used to alter standard sanctions during the World Cup.