Panelists on Channel 14's "Sheva" program reacted to the Trump-FIFA red card reversal, with one saying he would not field the US team after the intervention. The remarks follow Trump's confirmed call to FIFA President Infantino that led to the overturning of Folarin Balogun's red card, drawing international criticism and anticipation of tonight's match.
Panelists on Channel 14's flagship opinion program "Sheva" reacted on Monday evening to President Donald Trump's unprecedented intervention with FIFA, which led to the cancellation of a red card shown to US national team striker Folarin Balogun. One panelist stated: "If I were the coach, I wouldn't field them for the game" — reflecting a view that the intervention undermines sporting fairness. The remarks come hours after Trump himself confirmed that he spoke directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the red card, and that he initially did not understand the rule. As The Zioneer reported earlier, Infantino acknowledged the conversation but reaffirmed FIFA's judicial independence. The controversy has drawn sharp responses from UEFA and the Belgian Football Association, and is seen as a backdrop to tonight's match between the US and Belgium. No details on the refereeing panel's own rationale were provided in the new broadcast.
- StrongUEFA issues dramatic statement against FIFA over overturning of US player's red card
- StrongTrump says he didn't know what a red card was, calls referee's power 'illogical' in expanded remarks on FIFA intervention
- StrongInfantino admits speaking with Trump about Balogun red card, reaffirms FIFA independence
- DevelopingFIFA president Infantino tells critics to 'chill' over Somali referee's US entry denial
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