FIFA reversed a one-game suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun on Sunday after a personal phone call from Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This marks the first time that FIFA has nullified a suspension for a red card received during the World Cup in 64 years.
The decision allows Balogun, the team’s top goal scorer, to play in the upcoming match against Belgium. The reversal follows a red card issued to Balogun by referee Raphael Claus, which was given after a review suggested by the video assistant referee.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. When questioned Monday about whether this creates a precedent for other world leaders to influence the sport, Trump stated, "I had nothing to do with the decision," adding, "What I did have to do is, I said, I think this should be reviewed."
Why is UEFA criticizing the FIFA decision?
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) issued a statement expressing “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision” that it said undermined not just the tournament but soccer itself. UEFA argued that the decision undermines the integrity of the tournament and the sport of soccer.
According to the UEFA statement, the sport relies on rules that ensure “fair, honest and transparent competition.” The organization warned that when rules are no longer guaranteed by their guardians, the credibility of the competition is undermined and the integrity of the game is at stake.
He described referee Raphael Claus as "very suspect," a comment that appears to reference previous allegations of match-fixing. Trump further suggested that if Belgium wins the match, he would view the result as "rigged," comparing it to his claims regarding the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
What other ties exist between FIFA and Donald Trump?
The suspension reversal is not FIFA’s first concession to Trump. Last year, FIFA created its own peace prize and presented it to Trump, citing his “tireless efforts to promote peace.” This occurred after years of lobbying and begging by Trump failed to win him a Nobel Peace Prize.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously announced a partnership agreement with Trump’s “Board of Peace.” The stated goal of this partnership is to “foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post conflict areas.” Trump controls the Board of Peace’s finances as its chair.
Beyond the peace prize and partnership, FIFA has a commercial relationship with Trump’s real estate interests. For the past year, the international soccer federation has leased office space at Trump Tower in New York City.
How has FIFA responded to inquiries?
FIFA has largely avoided addressing the nature of its relationship with Trump. Jhamie Chin, a spokesperson for FIFA, did not respond to repeated questions regarding the reversal of Balogun’s suspension. Additionally, Chin deflected questions in February regarding how the organization could ignore Trump’s constant war-making given the U.S. involvement in more than 20 military interventions and armed conflicts during his time in the White House, as analyzed by The Intercept.
The lack of transparency has drawn scrutiny from journalists. The Intercept reports that FIFA has ignored questions for more than six months regarding the Peace Prize and the organization’s fealty to Trump.
The current situation with the U.S. national team serves as the next immediate checkpoint for the sport’s governing body as the match against Belgium proceeds with Balogun eligible to play. Readers can follow official FIFA match reports and disciplinary updates via the federation’s official communications channels.
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