Blatter criticizes Trump's alleged call to Infantino: 'Football must not be a political power game'

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has strongly criticized world football's governing body for overturning a suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off in a previous match but became eligible for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 game against Belgium.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, questioned the procedure on social media. "Red cards are not overturned by political calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies," he stated. He added, "If a president of the United States intervenes with the president of FIFA, and a player is suddenly eligible before a direct elimination match, the question is inevitable: Where are you going, FIFA?"

"Football must never become a playing field for political power," Blatter declared. The controversy erupted after FIFA decided to lift Balogun's red card ban, allowing him to play against Belgium. Reports from AFP and The New York Times suggest this decision followed a personal call from Donald Trump to the FIFA president, requesting a review of the player's red card.

This incident has raised concerns about political interference in sports. Blatter, who resigned amid a corruption scandal known as 'FIFA Gate,' emphasized the importance of independent decision-making based on established rules, not external political pressure.