A Presidential Call, A Red Card Reversal, and a World Cup Controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that there was nothing unusual about receiving a call from President Trump following the United States’ victory over Bosnia, which secured the team’s progression to the World Cup quarterfinals. According to Infantino, discussions between him and Trump about the World Cup are frequent. However, this particular call sparked one of the biggest controversies in the tournament’s 96-year history, casting doubt on FIFA’s reputation as a neutral entity in soccer.

President Trump, by his account, watched the game on television and expressed his anger upon learning that the team’s key striker, Folarin Balogun, was set to miss the quarterfinal match against Belgium due to receiving a red card. The card came after an on-field review by the Brazilian referee. Trump viewed the decision as incorrect and believed it needed correction, prompting him to reach out to Infantino.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump explained, regarding the call as a routine action. Nevertheless, this action raised significant concerns, suggesting presidential influence that led to FIFA’s announcement of a reprieve for Balogun on Sunday.

FIFA’s regulations on red cards are clear: a red card results in automatic suspension for at least the following game. While some decisions may seem harsh, they are typically upheld. The decision to lift Balogun’s suspension led to speculation and criticism, with some perceiving it as resembling a presidential pardon. Despite frequent controversies, FIFA maintained that the decision was made by an independent committee, beyond the influence of Trump or Infantino.