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Trump confirms calling FIFA president over player's red card

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Folarin Balogun's suspension.
  • Trump stated he asked for a review of the decision, believing it was not a foul, and that the best players should be on the field.
  • He acknowledged he did not tell Infantino what to do, noting that a committee, not the FIFA president, makes such decisions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension of American star striker Folarin Balogun. Trump stated at a White House press conference that he requested a review of the decision, as he did not believe the action warranted a red card.

I asked for a review of the decision because I didn't think it was a foul.

— Donald TrumpDuring a press conference at the White House, explaining his call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"I asked for a review of the decision because I didn't think it was a foul," Trump explained, referring to the play that led to Balogun's expulsion in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He added that while he did not instruct Infantino on what to do, he felt the player should not have been suspended. Trump also criticized the referee's call as a "joke."

We must have the best players on the field.

— Donald TrumpJustifying his intervention regarding Folarin Balogun's suspension.

Trump emphasized his belief that "we must have the best players on the field," suggesting this was a reason to overturn the suspension. He also praised Infantino as "smart and strong, brilliant."

They made a brilliant decision and the referee's was horrible. It's a joke...

— Donald TrumpCriticizing the referee's call that led to Balogun's expulsion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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