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Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun's suspension

2026-07-06 18:11:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he has asked FIFA to review the one-match suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun from the World Cup.

Balogun, 25, was set to miss his team's round of 16 tie against Belgium after being sent off for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

But FIFA made the shock decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months - giving the United States striker, who has scored three goals at this summer's tournament, the freedom to be selected for the match in Seattle.

Trump said football's world governing body "made the right decision," adding that it would have left a "huge stain" on the tournament if the ban had been implemented.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked FIFA to review the decision because he "didn't think it was a foul."

He confirmed he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino but said "all" he did was request a review and added he did not tell the Swiss they should suspend Balogun's ban.

"I thought it was two great athletes who ran into each other and got mixed up," Trump said.

"I think [suspension] would have left a big stain. I can't tell them what to do. I don't believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision."

Trump said judge Raphael Claus' decision to eject Balogun was "terrible" and called the Brazilian "a little suspicious."

Earlier on Monday, the Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "surprised" by FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to be selected for the round of 16 match, which kicks off at 5pm local time (1am BST on Tuesday).

Asked by BBC Sport to comment on Trump's comments, his view on Claus, Belgium's claims and the appeal process, FIFA said it had "nothing further" to add "at the moment"./CNA, translated by BBC





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