Trump called FIFA chief over Balogun red card, NYT reports

A highly unusual intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump into a FIFA disciplinary matter has sparked controversy. Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to contest a red card suspension issued to American forward Folarin Balogun during a World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The New York Times, citing three sources familiar with the conversation, reported that Trump's call occurred after Balogun received a direct red card. FIFA's subsequent decision to suspend the ban, enabling Balogun to play in a crucial match against Belgium, has been labeled as unprecedented since 1962.

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Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice.

Trump, via his Truth Social platform, publicly thanked FIFA for "doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice," though he did not explicitly state he had called Infantino or claimed responsibility for the decision. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Belgian Football Federation, which declared itself "astonished" and is exploring potential actions.

The incident highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and international relations, with FIFA's decision-making process now under scrutiny following this extraordinary intervention.

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We are astonished by the decision to allow Balogun to play and are studying all possible options.