Trump admits calling FIFA over Balogun red card; Infantino denies influence

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a red card issued to American player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Trump stated he requested a review of the card, describing the referee's action as "terrible" and unjustified.

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I only asked for a review because I don't think it was a foul.

"I only asked for a review because I don't think it was a foul," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday. The confirmation follows reports from news agencies AP and the New York Times that Trump had indeed called Infantino to advocate for the suspension of Balogun's ban for the U.S. and Belgium's World Cup knockout match.

FIFA had previously announced the suspension of the one-year ban for Balogun, the U.S. team's top scorer, which was imposed after his red card. The Belgian federation formally protested this decision, which was reportedly dismissed. Infantino, however, has pushed back against any suggestion that Trump influenced the ruling.

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The FIFA judicial bodies are independent, work autonomously and decide based on the disciplinary code and the respective facts. Their independence is crucial for the credibility and integrity of football.

In a statement on X, Infantino emphasized the autonomy and independence of FIFA's judicial bodies. He stated they operate based on the disciplinary code and facts, and their independence is crucial for football's credibility. Infantino described his conversation with Trump as not unusual, noting he regularly speaks with heads of state and government. He clarified that he informed Trump about the ongoing proceedings before independent FIFA bodies.

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The conversation with Trump was nothing unusual. I speak regularly with the U.S. President and also receive calls from heads of state and government, government representatives, as well as personalities from sports and business.

Infantino also asserted that he is only informed of decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee after their publication, and that some decisions surprise him, while others he agrees or disagrees with. Regardless of his personal opinion, he respects the committees' decisions and autonomy. The situation has drawn criticism, with some international media outlets labeling it a "scandal" and accusing Trump and Infantino of undermining the World Cup's integrity.

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The shameless Donald Trump and his submissive puppet Gianni Infantino have dragged this World Cup into a cesspool.