Klopp slams Trump and Infantino: 'They have no idea about football'
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- German football coach Jürgen Klopp criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating they lack understanding of football.
- Klopp argued that Trump and Infantino should not interfere with the sport, suggesting their involvement jeopardizes the World Cup.
- He also commented on a controversial red card incident, asserting it was correctly applied according to the rules.
Jürgen Klopp, the German manager, has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Klopp stated that both leaders have no understanding of football and should not be involved in the sport. He voiced his concerns on the Magenta TV channel, suggesting their interference could jeopardize the World Cup. "These two people, who have no idea about football, should not have anything to do with it, let's just say this is our game, not theirs," Klopp commented.
These two people, who have no idea about football, should not have anything to do with it, let's just say this is our game, not theirs.
The controversy appears to stem from a red card incident involving Folarin Balogun. Klopp defended the referee's decision, stating it was a clear red card according to the rules, though he expressed sympathy for the player's intent. "That was a red card. There is no discussion. We feel sorry for Balogun because he didn't intend to do it, but that's what the rules say," he added.
If Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino really arranged this between themselves, it's crazy; it calls everything into question.
Klopp's remarks highlight a growing tension between football officials and political figures, particularly concerning the governance and future of international football tournaments.
That was a red card. There is no discussion. We feel sorry for Balogun because he didn't intend to do it, but that's what the rules say.
Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.