2026 World Cup: President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA’s Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension

President Donald Trump reportedly pushed FIFA to allow American forward Folarin Balogun to play Monday against Belgium.

FIFA stunned the football world by announcing on Sunday that Balogun’s one-match suspension for his consecutive red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 16 had been suspended and that he would be allowed to play in the round of 16.

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On Sunday afternoon, multiple reports emerged that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked the World Cup governing body to reconsider Balogun’s ban.

Trump and Infantino have a friendly relationship. The two men have been particularly friendly in public as the president is expected to play a role in the trophy ceremony at the World Cup final on July 19. In December, Infantino and FIFA awarded Trump the first “FIFA Peace Prize” in the World Cup draw.

After FIFA announced that Balogun would be able to play, Trump posted on social media and thanked FIFA for overturning what he called “an injustice,” although he did not suggest he had any role in FIFA’s decision.

In its statement announcing that Balogun could play against Belgium, FIFA cited article 27 of its sporting code. This article specifies that “the judicial body may decide to totally or partially suspend the execution of a disciplinary measure”.

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Balogun’s red card is suspended for one year.

Before the Balogun decision, the only other time FIFA had allowed a player who had received a red card to play in the next match was in 1962, when Brazilian Garrincha was allowed to play in the final after a red card in the semi-final.

That year, Brazil won its second consecutive World Cup. They are still the most recent team to win back-to-back tournaments.

Belgium said it was “surprised” that Balogun was allowed to play after receiving a red card. Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on defender Tarik Muharemović’s leg.

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“I didn’t know that at the World Cup, July 5 was actually April 1. It’s an April Fool’s joke,” Belgian coach Rudi Garcia said at a press conference on Sunday.

Balogun was not cautioned for a foul in real time, but video replay officials sent referee Raphael Claus to the replay monitor. While in front of the monitor, Claus saw Balogun’s mistake in slow motion. According to FIFA’s VAR rules, replays intended to determine the intensity of infractions “should” be broadcast at “normal speed.”

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