FIFA has a rule about political interference. So when President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to argue that US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card wasn’t warranted, and FIFA subsequently lifted the automatic one-match ban, the reaction from the global soccer community was roughly what you’d expect.
Balogun received a straight red card on July 1 during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The card carried an automatic suspension that would have sidelined him for the round of 16 match against Belgium. Trump contacted FIFA around July 5, arguing the tackle didn’t constitute a foul. FIFA then suspended the ban, clearing Balogun to play.
FIFA’s credibility problem
UEFA has publicly criticized the move. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter called it unjust political intervention that contradicts the federation’s core principles of neutrality.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the expanded 48-team format already generating massive global viewership. Having the president of one of the host nations successfully lobby to overturn a disciplinary decision raises immediate questions about whether the tournament’s officiating can be trusted going forward.
