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Donald Trump celebrated FIFA’s decision to clear USMNT star Folarin Balogun for the World Cup knockout match against Belgium, calling it the reversal of a “great injustice.”
The move followed reports that Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s suspension after his controversial red card.
The ruling immediately triggered a response from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which said it was “astonished” by the reversal and argued the decision conflicted with FIFA’s own disciplinary regulations.
Donald Trump Takes Victory Lap After FIFA Clears Balogun
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Francis Chung – Pool via CNP / MEGA
Donald Trump celebrated FIFA’s surprise decision to clear Folarin Balogun for the USMNT’s knockout clash with Belgium, calling the reversal a victory against what he described as an unfair punishment.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on Truth Social after the governing body suspended Balogun’s automatic one-game ban for a one-year probationary period.
Previous reports suggested that the White House was directly involved in an appeal to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino urging him to review the striker’s suspension. Balogun’s controversial red card would have normally ruled him out of the next match.
FIFA’s move means the 25-year-old forward, one of Team USA’s top performers, is now available for Monday’s Round of 16 showdown in Seattle.
Inside Balogun’s Controversial Red Card
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ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
Balogun’s red card came in the 64th minute of the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. The play was not initially treated as a major incident, but the video assistant referee (VAR) recommended an on-field review for possible serious foul play.
Referee Raphael Claus then upgraded the call to a straight red. Balogun had already scored the opening goal before his dismissal, leaving the U.S. to finish the game with 10 men.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino pushed back on the decision in the aftermath, arguing there was no intent to hurt the opponent and calling it a normal football action.
FIFA Makes Rare U-Turn On Balogun Ban
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ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
In a highly unusual move, FIFA overturned Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension. This move cleared the USMNT striker to face Belgium in the Round of 16 despite his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rather than rescinding the dismissal itself, FIFA announced that the suspension would be placed on a one-year probationary period, allowing Balogun to remain available while leaving the red card on his record.
The world governing body did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
In response, the Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s reversal and claimed the move clashed with the governing body’s own disciplinary rules. The federation added that it was reviewing “all potential options” before the Red Devils’ knockout clash with the United States.
Donald Trump Reportedly Pushed FIFA Over Balogun
Reports say the White House directly contacted Infantino to ask that Balogun’s red card be reviewed before the governing body suspended his one-game ban. The Associated Press cited a person familiar with the call, though the source did not say who made it or exactly when it happened.
The New York Times also reported that Trump personally called Infantino about the suspension, while English journalist Ben Jacobs first reported that the White House had reached out to FIFA.
The organization later cleared Balogun to play Belgium by seemingly replacing his suspension with a one-year probationary period, but FIFA sources reportedly denied that White House pressure influenced the disciplinary outcome.
Donald Trump’s World Cup Absence Raises Questions
Trump has remained absent from the World Cup so far despite growing positivity as the USMNT advances in the tournament.
Despite the United States co-hosting the event with Canada and Mexico, Trump has yet to appear at any World Cup match, even after suggesting last month that he would be visible during the tournament.
His no-show has particularly stood out because he has attended several major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the Club World Cup final, the Ryder Cup, an NBA Finals game, and a UFC event at the White House.
Political strategist Federico de Jesus told BBC Sport that Trump may be saving his appearance for the “main event,” pointing to his preference for major spectacles rather than regular games. Others have suggested he may also be wary of boos after receiving a hostile reception at the NBA Finals.
Infantino has said that Trump is expected to attend the July 19 final in New Jersey.
The Donald Trump Hails FIFA For USMNT Red Card U-Turn first appeared on The Blast
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