SEATTLE — According to reports, President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun just before FIFA allowed the striker to face Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Trump reached out to Infantino to ask for an inquiry into Balogun’s dismissal in the U.S. Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, reported a source with knowledge of the situation. The report did not reveal the content of the conversation, and neither FIFA nor the White House commented publicly on the call.
Balogun, who has bagged three goals in the tournament, was reportedly set to miss the round of 16 after receiving a red card. However, the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA subsequently decided to suspend the suspension for a probationary period of one year, making the striker immediately eligible for play.
The decision is in line with FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, which allow judicial bodies to temporarily stay the enforcement of certain disciplinary sanctions under specific conditions. The regulations also provide that if a player commits a similar offence during the probationary period, the suspended sanction may be reactivated in addition to any other sanction.
U.S. Soccer issued a statement saying it accepted FIFA’s decision.
“We abide by the ruling of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is available for selection tomorrow. We are fully focused on our Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle and look forward to the continued support of our fans.
Belgium has criticised the decision. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" by the FIFA ruling and would explore possible avenues to appeal the decision.
Balogun’s presence also alters the tactical plans of the United States. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had been developing other attacking options long before FIFA ruled the forward would be eligible for selection.
The United States faces Belgium in Seattle, with the winner advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals.
Trump and Infantino are also expected to attend the World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19. The original report said Infantino has said Trump is expected to be involved in the trophy presentation after the match, like he was at the FIFA Club World Cup final last year.
