Trump says he didn't tell FIFA what to do, only asked for review of Folarin Balogun's red card

US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun's overturned suspension, offering fresh details about his interactions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. saying he did not believe the challenge warranted a sending-off.

Trump's remarks come amid growing controversy after FIFA overturned Balogun's automatic suspension, allowing the striker to feature in the United States' FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium. The decision has sparked a wider debate over football governance, disciplinary consistency, and the extent of external influence on the sport's governing body.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “All I did, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul,” while describing the match official as a “horrible” referee. He maintained that he had merely requested a reassessment of the incident rather than attempting to pressure FIFA into changing its decision.

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In a post on Truth Social, Trump also welcomed the outcome, writing, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The controversy

The controversy stems from the red card Balogun received during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The striker was initially handed an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, who required medical treatment following the incident.

However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee later invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to suspend the implementation of the ban and place it under a one-year probationary period instead, making Balogun eligible for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

FIFA decision sparks debate

The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which argued that FIFA's competition regulations clearly mandate an automatic suspension following a red card. Belgian officials said the decision undermines consistency in the enforcement of disciplinary rules and are reportedly reviewing their legal and regulatory options.

The United States, meanwhile, has welcomed the decision, with Balogun remaining available after scoring three goals in the tournament. The episode has also reignited debate over FIFA's disciplinary framework, particularly its use of rarely invoked provisions that allow standard sanctions to be suspended in exceptional circumstances. The controversy has further fuelled questions about transparency and consistency in football governance at the highest level.