NY Times: Donald Trump asked Gianni Infantino to consider ban for USA star – penalty rescinded

Former U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun, urging him to reconsider a suspension. The New York Times revealed that Trump called Infantino on Wednesday, requesting a review of the one-match ban imposed on Balogun.

Just days later, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun would be permitted to play in the U.S. team's quarter-final match against Belgium. This decision reversed the automatic one-game suspension Balogun received after being shown a straight red card for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA's disciplinary committee has the authority under Article 27 of its disciplinary code to decide not to fully or partially enforce a previously imposed sanction. In Balogun's case, the suspension was made conditional, meaning it would only be enforced if he committed a similar offense during a probationary period. This marks a highly unusual move by FIFA, with reports suggesting such a reversal after a direct red card has not occurred since 1962.

Following FIFA's decision, Trump took to Truth Social to express his gratitude, stating, "Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a major injustice!" The Belgian Football Association, however, expressed dismay at the reversal, and the decision sparked considerable controversy on social media. Infantino and Trump are known to have a warm relationship, with Infantino having presented Trump with FIFA's first-ever peace award last December, a move that drew criticism for perceived sycophancy.

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Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a major injustice!