Balogun’s ban would have stained World Cup – Trump

Dell Technologies Chairman and CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell listen to US President Donald Trump speak at the launch of Trump investment accounts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 6, 2026. Photo: MANDEL NGAN / AFP

US President, Donald Trump, has confirmed he asked FIFA to review striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension at the World Cup, noting that the ban would have left a ‘big stain’ on the tournament had it been implemented.

Balogun, 25, was set to miss his side’s last-16 tie against Belgium after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

But FIFA made the shock decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism, including from UEFA, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump confirmed he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino but said “all” he did was ask for a review and added he did not tell the Swiss he had to suspend Balogun’s ban.