President Donald Trump confirmed he requested a review from FIFA regarding U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension before the decision was reversed, allowing Balogun to play in Monday night’s match. Speaking at an Oval Office event, Trump clarified that he influenced the review but claimed he was not responsible for the final decision.
FIFA’s decision to reverse the suspension drew significant attention as the U.S. prepared for a match against Belgium. Balogun, considered a top U.S. player, initially faced a ban following a red card incident last week.
The president mentioned his dialogue with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom he described as highly esteemed. Trump expressed that he comprehends sports well, arguing that Balogun’s action was not a foul but rather an interaction between two outstanding athletes. He criticized the referee, asserting the fairness of allowing Balogun to participate in the next match.
On March 7, 2025, President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were captured shaking hands in the Oval Office by Jim Watson of AFP via Getty Images.
“How do you penalize them for a game that hasn’t been played yet?” Trump questioned. “It’s very unfair. And so, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”
Trump insisted that regardless of circumstances, teams should utilize their best players. He downplayed his influence in the matter, emphasizing the pending match with Belgium, which he anticipated as being remarkable.
The ongoing agitation about Balogun’s red card included reactions from American soccer fans and concerns over the team’s future performance without him. The incident occurred in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, with Balogun receiving a red card after video review indicated an accidental foul.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the match, took immediate steps to address the situation due to the rarity of such appeals. FIFA White House Task Force Head Andrew Giuliani briefed Trump on the situation, initiating discussions on federal government assistance for the soccer team’s appeal against the red card.
The president engaged Infantino to understand the decision-making process behind the red card and subsequent suspension. According to an official, the U.S. government provided additional evidence supporting the appeal, resulting in the favorable outcome. The appeal process itself is independently managed, as noted by the official.
Meanwhile, the Royal Belgian Football Association expressed their intention to prevent Balogun’s participation in the next match. They voiced concerns about recent developments, asserting their ongoing dedication to ethical principles and fair competition despite the outcome of the upcoming match.