Donald Trump’s intervention to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it undermines the US men’s national team’s achievements at the World Cup. The US striker was sent off in a group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Trump lobbied Fifa president Gianni Infantino to reverse the one-match ban, allowing Balogun to play in the last-16 clash against Belgium.
Background of the suspension
Balogun received a red card after a video review for inadvertently stomping on an opponent’s ankle during the US’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision was widely criticized as harsh, with US head coach Mauricio Pochettino and others expressing anger. However, the suspension seemed accepted until Trump’s involvement.
Trump’s phone calls to Fifa
According to reports, Trump placed several calls to Infantino, urging Fifa to lift the ban. US Soccer had also been lobbying, but Trump’s direct intervention was unprecedented. Fifa cited its bylaws to suspend the ban until after the tournament, a move without precedent during a World Cup. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia called the decision “April Fools’ Day in July,” and the Belgian federation is reviewing legal options.
Impact on US reputation
Trump’s actions have tainted the US’s World Cup performance, with critics arguing that any victory will carry an asterisk. Norway coach Ståle Solbakken called it a “big mistake by Fifa,” saying, “Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision. I feel sorry for the United States, because even if they win, the game will always have this bad thing about it.”
Fifa’s relationship with Trump
Infantino has long had a cozy relationship with Trump, benefiting from access to the US market. However, Trump’s interference risks damaging the perception of the tournament and the US team. The US have performed well, reaching the last 16 on merit, but now face accusations of unfair advantage.
Historical parallels
The incident recalls the 1962 World Cup, where Brazil’s Garrincha was sent off but escaped suspension after intervention from Chile’s president. While that story seemed ancient, Trump’s actions show little has changed in Fifa’s susceptibility to political pressure.
Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, thanking Fifa for reversing a “grave injustice.” However, the controversy may prove more damaging than the original suspension, casting a shadow over the US’s World Cup journey.
