US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally asked FIFA to review the one-match suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, a move that was followed by the governing body lifting the forward’s ban ahead of the USA’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Balogun had initially been ruled out of Tuesday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Arsenal striker was sent off for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic, with the dismissal automatically triggering a one-match suspension.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that it had suspended the automatic ban for 12 months, making Balogun eligible to feature against Belgium in one of the tournament’s biggest knockout matches.
Donald Trump Says He Requested FIFA Review
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump revealed that he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and urged the governing body to reconsider the decision.
According to Trump, he did not believe Balogun’s challenge warranted a straight red card.
“I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.
The US President also stressed that he was not directing FIFA’s decision-making process but felt the outcome was justified.
“I think it would have left a big stain. I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.”
Trump also criticised Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who issued the red card, calling the decision “horrible” and describing the official as “a little bit suspect.”
FIFA Declines Further Comment
When approached for clarification, FIFA declined to elaborate on the controversy.
According to BBC Sport, the world governing body said it had “nothing more” to add “for now” regarding Trump’s comments, Belgium’s objections and the appeal process that resulted in Balogun’s suspension being lifted.
Belgium, UEFA and Thomas Tuchel Question FIFA’s Decision
The decision has drawn widespread criticism from across the football community.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s ruling and insisted it would continue defending the principles of ethics, fair competition and the integrity of the sport.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel also questioned the implications of overturning a red-card suspension during a major international tournament. His comments came after England defender Jarell Quansah received a red card during the team’s Round of 16 victory over Mexico.
“Where to draw the line is the question that I ask. I have no answer to that,” Tuchel said.
“Do we appeal if a yellow card is not a yellow card? Do we think it is not a red card, or who thinks it? Where does this start and where does this end? It’s my question. I don’t have an answer.”
According to the BBC Sport report, UEFA also criticised the intervention, arguing that overturning a suspension during the FIFA World Cup had “crossed a line” and raised concerns over the consistency of disciplinary procedures.
Rare Decision in FIFA World Cup History
The report noted that Balogun’s case is only the second known instance in FIFA World Cup history where a player has avoided serving the mandatory suspension after being sent off.
The only previous example dates back to the 1962 FIFA World Cup, when Brazil legend Garrincha escaped a suspension amid allegations of political interference. That incident occurred before FIFA introduced the current system of automatic suspensions for red cards.
Balogun’s reinstatement has now become one of the tournament’s most debated off-field controversies, with critics questioning whether the decision could set a precedent for future appeals during major international competitions.