Sports

Donald Trump confirms calling FIFA chief over Folarin Balogun red card

Donald Trump breaks silence on controversial FIFA red card decision

Ariha Fatimah Arain

Published July 06, 2026, 11:38 PM

Updated 2 weeks ago

Donald Trump confirms calling FIFA chief over Folarin Balogun red card

Donald Trump breaks silence on controversial FIFA red card decision

US President Donald Trump has lifted the lid on the Folarin Balogun red card controversy.

The president confirmed that he did call Gianni Infantino and spoe to him about Balogun’s suspension.

Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged contacting Infantino after Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying he requested only a review of the incident.

While addressing the media in the Oval Office on Monday, he said “Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”

“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said.

However, he denied influencing the governing body's decision to overturn the suspension.

Trump claimed “I didn’t say that you have to do this.”

FIFA's decision to clear the U.S. forward for the Round of 16 match against Belgium has prompted criticism from those questioning whether the president's intervention affected the outcome.

The decision change comes hours before US is set to face Belgium in the Rounf of 16 knock out match on July 6.