US President Donald Trump joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino holds the World Cup Trophy in Washington, DC, on August 22, 2025. Trump has a close relationship with Infantino. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP / Lehtikuva
International news
Donald Trump has confirmed he asked Fifa president Gianni Infantino to review the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, after football’s governing body suspended the player’s automatic one-match ban before the World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium.
The decision has triggered a dispute over political influence, disciplinary rules and the independence of Fifa’s judicial bodies.
Balogun was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. A straight red card at the World Cup carries an automatic one-match suspension. That would have ruled the 25-year-old striker out of the Belgium match in Seattle.
