Trump Admits Seeking FIFA Review as Balogun Gets Reprieve

WASHINGTON, Jul 6 : U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card shown to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, saying he believed the dismissal was unjustified.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump acknowledged contacting Infantino following Balogun's sending-off during the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

"I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul," Trump said. "So, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA. I spoke to a man who's highly respected."

Balogun received a straight red card after a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic, an incident that would normally result in an automatic suspension.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been placed on hold under a one-year probationary period, allowing the 25-year-old striker to return for Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle.

The decision has sparked controversy within the football community, with the Belgian Football Federation saying it was "astonished" that Balogun had been cleared to play despite his dismissal in the previous round.

Trump's confirmation that he personally sought a review is likely to fuel further debate over FIFA's handling of the case, with critics questioning whether political influence played any role in the governing body's unprecedented decision to suspend the automatic ban.