Trump Called FIFA’s Gianni Infantino Before Balogun’s Ban Was Suspended, Report Says

Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, just hours before FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced it was putting the ban on hold. The New York Times broke the story, citing sources familiar with the call.

Balogun, the 25-year-old USMNT striker, was sent off in the Round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina after catching defender Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle during a challenge. The red card came after a VAR review, and US coach Mauricio Pochettino called it a soft call. But the rules say a red card means a one-game sit-down. At least, that’s how it’s worked for everyone else at this World Cup.

On Sunday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said it was applying Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which lets the committee suspend a sanction for a probationary period of one year. Balogun will only have to serve the ban if he commits a similar offense in the next 12 months. The red card itself was not rescinded. It’s just on ice.

Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The White House also posted a celebratory “USA-USA-USA” on X.

When The Independent asked FIFA about Trump’s involvement, a spokesperson pointed to the disciplinary code provisions that allow for suspended sanctions at the committee’s discretion. No direct confirmation of the president’s call, but no denial either.

Not everyone was thrilled. The Royal Belgian Football Association — Belgium is in the same bracket and could face the US — said it was “astonished” and is “investigating all potential options.” The RBFA pointed to Article 66.4 of the same code, which says a red card automatically triggers a suspension for the next match, and Article 10.5 of the tournament regulations, which says the same thing. They’re arguing that the rules are clear and that FIFA just bent them for the US.

There’s some history here. At the 1962 World Cup, Brazil’s Garrincha was sent off in the semifinal but allowed to play the final after Chile’s president intervened. That one later turned out to involve a $10,000 bribe to keep officials from testifying at the disciplinary hearing. Not saying that’s what happened here. Just saying the precedent exists.

Balogun’s teammates, including Christian Pulisic, said they found out about the decision on social media while heading to training. “At first, you’re like, ‘Oh really, is this real?’ And then ‘Oh, this is great news’,” Pulisic told reporters.

Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament in that Bosnia game and will be available for Monday’s match in Seattle. The US has not commented on whether Trump’s reported call played any role in the decision. But the timing is hard to ignore.