President Donald Trump has confirmed he personally reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the one-match suspension handed to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun had been issued a straight red card for a foul against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA’s subsequent decision to suspend the ban for 12 months has sparked a firestorm of controversy.
Trump, who labeled the original red card decision by referee Raphael Claus as 'horrible' and questioned the official's integrity, stated that upholding the ban would have left a 'big stain' on the tournament. While Trump clarified he did not order the suspension to be lifted, he maintained that the commission made the right call.
FIFA defended the integrity of its independent judicial bodies and referee Raphael Claus, with Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina reaffirming full confidence in the official.
Meanwhile, the Royal Belgian Football Association, the U.S. team's next opponent, slammed the decision as a breach of regulations and remains 'astonished' that their appeal was dismissed on the grounds that they lacked standing.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Uefa and England manager Thomas Tuchel, who warned that the intervention sets a dangerous precedent for the integrity of the sport.
Despite the international outcry, FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code to justify the probationary suspension, clearing the way for Balogun to compete in the upcoming match in Seattle.
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