Unwelcome and undue: Trump’s red-card intervention hurts the US’s World Cup more than it helps | Pablo Iglesias Maurer
Summary
President Donald Trump made phone calls to FIFA to ask them to lift the one-match ban given to US soccer player Folarin Balogun. FIFA agreed to delay the suspension until after the World Cup, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. This type of decision during the tournament is unusual and has caused mixed reactions among fans, coaches, and officials.Key Facts
- Folarin Balogun received a red card in the US team's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The red card was seen as questionable, but FIFA reviewed and confirmed the one-match suspension.
- President Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for the ban to be lifted.
- FIFA postponed Balogun’s suspension until after the World Cup match with Belgium.
- Delaying a suspension during the World Cup has happened before but only for players suspended before the tournament began, not during it.
- US Soccer was also lobbying separately to reduce Balogun’s suspension.
- Belgium’s coach and officials voiced anger and are considering legal action.
- FIFA states its rules allow this decision and denies influence from Trump’s calls.
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