President Trump picked up the phone on July 5, called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and asked him to review a red card that US striker Folarin Balogun received during a group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee then lifted Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension, clearing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
What happened on the field, and then off it
Balogun, the US team’s top scorer in the tournament, was shown a red card during the Bosnia and Herzegovina match. Under standard FIFA rules, a red card triggers an automatic one-game suspension. That would have sidelined him for a knockout round against Belgium scheduled for July 6-7.
Trump then held a public statement on July 6 in which he called the referee “a little bit suspect.” Belgium filed a formal appeal challenging Balogun’s eligibility. That appeal was denied.
Why the backlash has been swift and global
