President Donald Trump has stepped into Folarin Balogun’s red card controversy at the World Cup. He contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the decision made during the Round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as confirmed by a source to Fox News. The details of Trump’s conversation with Infantino remain unclear, although he has labeled Infantino a ‘great leader in sports’ and a friend.
The USMNT striker, who already has three goals in this World Cup, was initially sidelined due to a red card in the Round of 32 match. However, in a surprising turn, he has been cleared to play. The Athletic reported Balogun’s eligibility and highlighted FIFA’s disciplinary code, which allows a judicial body to suspend a disciplinary measure either fully or partially.
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” part of the rule states.
FIFA has confirmed Balogun’s suspension is for a probationary period of one year. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with the decision and stated their focus is now on the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.
Belgium, which narrowly defeated Senegal in the Round of 32, has expressed ‘astonishment’ over FIFA’s decision regarding Balogun. The Royal Belgian Football Association is exploring options to challenge this decision.
Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff have had to reconsider their strategy. They originally planned to replace Balogun but can now retain their regular starting lineup against Belgium.
Looking ahead, Trump and Infantino will be present at the World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Trump is expected to award the World Cup trophy to the winning team’s captain, as indicated by Infantino on ‘Fox & Friends.’
Should the USMNT defeat Belgium, they will become the second team in U.S. history to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. They will face either Portugal or Spain, contingent on beating Belgium first.
Scott Thompson, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. Ryan Gaydos also contributed.