Jurgen Klopp has slammed FIFA's "crazy" decision to lift USA striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension following a reported personal phone call from US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP
Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Monday slammed Fifa's decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's suspension, which reportedly took place after an intervention from US president Donald Trump.
The US were set to miss Balogun for Tuesday's last-16 knockout clash with Belgium (kick-off 2am) after the forward picked up a red card in their previous match, but Fifa on Sunday suspended the ban for a year, making him eligible to play.
Sources revealed Trump personally called Fifa president Gianni Infantino, asking him to review Balogun's punishment. Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who is set to become the next Germany manager after Julian Nagelsmann's resignation on Friday, hit out at the decision.
"It's a red card, even if it's a shame because Balogun can't play, but it's there in the rules," Klopp said.
