FIFA’s decision to lift United States striker Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after an intervention from US President Donald Trump has reignited a global debate over political influence in sport and the independence of football's governing bodies.
Football leaders questioned the World Cup’s integrity on a chaotic and unprecedented day in the event’s modern history Monday.
The furor centered on a phone call that Donald Trump made last week to FIFA head Gianni Infantino to make the case that US striker Folarin Balogun should not have been suspended for Monday’s matchup with Belgium because of a red card in a game last week. FIFA lifted the suspension and cleared Balogun to play.
The decision ultimately didn't help the US team, which was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium late Monday with Balogun in the lineup.
The decision appeared to be the first time since 1962 that punishment for a World Cup offence was suspended in the tournament, increasing scrutiny on Infantino’s control of FIFA and his close association with Trump.
