Trump's World Cup meddling draws sharp criticism
Former US labor secretary Robert Reich has condemned President Donald Trump's intervention in the World Cup, arguing it has tarnished the integrity of the game and America's reputation. In a column for Guardian US, Reich expressed dismay that Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina and would have missed Monday's match against Belgium.
Trump celebrated the reversal on social media, writing, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" However, Reich sees this as a breach of fundamental sportsmanship.
A lesson in fairness undermined
Reich reflected on teaching his own children to accept referees' decisions and losses gracefully. "The purpose of any game is to have fun, to enjoy the sport. It's also to appreciate the contestants on both sides – their skill and excellence. And to follow the rules," he wrote. He contrasted this with Trump's actions, stating, "Trump is showing the world once again that America doesn't play by the rules. We don't accept losses, and we don't accept referees' calls."
Integrity of competition at stake
The former labor secretary questioned how anyone can trust that the US has won fairly, given the president's political interference. "How can the fine athletes representing us rejoice in a victory when the president of the United States has used his political power to seek to change a referee's call?" he asked. Reich warned that such bullying destroys trust in any system, whether a World Cup competition or a political race.
He concluded that Trump has "forever tarnished the integrity of the game" and, like his lies about the 2020 election, "tarnished the integrity of America."
