US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to reconsider the red card issued to US forward Folarin Balogun, according to sources cited by the New York Times. The move, described as an unprecedented intervention by a sitting president in the tournament, led to FIFA allowing Balogun to play despite the suspension — the first such reversal since 1962.
New York Times sources reveal that US President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a reconsideration of the red card issued to US forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup match against Bosnia. Balogun had been sent off and was facing a suspension that would have sidelined him for the crucial Belgium match.
The call, described by sources as an unprecedented intervention by a sitting US president in a FIFA tournament, resulted in the sport's governing body allowing Balogun to play despite the disciplinary decision. FIFA has not publicly acknowledged a direct presidential request, but the reversal — the first of its kind since 1962 — follows Trump's earlier public thanks to the organization.
As The Zioneer reported earlier tonight (Sunday 20:52), FIFA rescinded Balogun's suspension and Trump thanked the organization. The new NYT report adds that the president actively lobbied Infantino directly, framing the episode as a direct presidential intervention in World Cup affairs. The precise timing of the call and whether any other intermediaries were involved remain unconfirmed.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake