President Donald Trump has defended his role in the disciplinary controversy involving United States striker Folarin Balogun, saying he merely asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the red card decision because he did not believe the incident warranted a dismissal.
His remarks come amid growing controversy after FIFA allowed Balogun to play in the United States' FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium by overturning his suspension. The decision has sparked a wider debate over football governance and the consistency of disciplinary decisions during the tournament.
"All I did was ask for a review because I didn't think it was a foul," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He criticised the match official, describing the referee as "horrible," while insisting that his request was limited to seeking a review of the decision and did not amount to pressure on FIFA.
Later, in a post on Truth Social, Trump welcomed the outcome, writing, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
The controversy originated during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, when Balogun was shown a red card for serious foul play following a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. The tackle left the Bosnian defender in visible discomfort and requiring medical treatment, resulting in an automatic suspension under FIFA regulations.
However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee later invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, deciding to suspend the implementation of the ban and instead place it under a one-year probationary period. As a result, Balogun became eligible for selection in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The decision has generated sharply divided reactions across the football community, with Belgium strongly opposing the reversal. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" by FIFA's ruling and argued that the tournament regulations clearly require an automatic suspension following a red card, with any additional disciplinary measures to be considered separately.
Belgian officials cited both the competition rules and pre-tournament circulars, contending that the interpretation adopted in Balogun's case undermines consistency in the application of disciplinary sanctions. The federation has indicated that it is examining all available options in response to the decision, raising concerns about sporting fairness ahead of the knockout fixture.
The United States has welcomed the ruling, with Balogun remaining available for selection after scoring three goals during the tournament.
The episode has also intensified scrutiny of FIFA's disciplinary procedures, particularly its use of infrequently invoked provisions that allow standard sanctions to be modified or suspended under exceptional circumstances.
In addition, Trump's public comments and his reported communication with FIFA leadership have fuelled debate over the potential influence of external figures in football administration. As the World Cup enters its knockout stage, attention remains focused on whether the Balogun decision could establish a precedent for future disciplinary cases in major international tournaments.
