US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to ask FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card shown to Folarin Balogun, saying the original decision was unfair and deserved another look. The move has sparked debate ahead of the United States’ crucial FIFA World Cup knockout match against Belgium.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the challenge involving Balogun was simply an accidental collision between two players running at full speed. According to him, the incident did not deserve a red card, and he felt the referee made a serious mistake. Trump added that he only requested a review of the decision and insisted he did not pressure FIFA to overturn the punishment.
Following the review, FIFA allowed Balogun to remain eligible for the important last 16 encounter against Belgium. Trump praised the governing body’s decision, describing it as the right outcome and saying it ensured both teams would compete with their strongest available squads.
The decision, however, angered the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which questioned Balogun’s eligibility and challenged FIFA’s ruling. The governing body rejected Belgium’s appeal, explaining that the RBFA was not directly involved in the disciplinary proceedings and therefore had no legal standing to appeal the decision.
Belgium expressed disappointment over the lack of explanation from FIFA and stated it would continue pursuing the matter to protect the principles of fair competition, sporting integrity, and football ethics. The association also requested access to the referee’s report and the reasoning behind FIFA’s decision but said it had not received the requested documents.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from several football figures. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp questioned the involvement of political leaders in football matters, arguing that sporting decisions should remain independent from outside influence. Despite the off field dispute, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated World Cup showdown, where both the United States and Belgium will battle for a place in the quarterfinals.
