Reports that President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a red card suspension for U.S. World Cup player Folarin Balogun have drawn sharp criticism from various media figures.
Balogun received a red card during a match, which typically results in a one-game suspension. Following the controversial call, a source told Fox News that Trump spoke with Infantino to request a review of the play. FIFA subsequently announced that the suspension was nullified. Infantino stated that FIFA's judicial bodies are independent and operate autonomously based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the facts presented.
However, the intervention has sparked a strong reaction from journalists and political commentators. "Morning Joe" co-host Jon Lemire voiced concerns about potential negative "karma" for the U.S. team, suggesting that while the decision may benefit the team on the field, it could detract from the narrative of their run. Washington Post columnist Kate Andrews commented on "MS NOW" that the president may have misunderstood the sport, emphasizing that part of soccer's appeal lies in overcoming perceived unfair calls.
Other media figures expressed more direct criticism. Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann sarcastically questioned if the World Cup was "fixed." Journalist Mehdi Hasan posted on social media, "Totally normal and not corrupt or dodgy or biased at all," in response to reports of Trump's call. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof stated that the action would appear to the world as favoritism and FIFA bowing to political influence, potentially casting a shadow over any U.S. victory.
ABC News contributor Donna Brazile called the involvement of the White House "terrible" and "just horrible." Some commentators focused on Balogun's status as a "birthright citizen." Journalist Julia Ioffe noted the irony of Trump advocating for a player who qualifies for the U.S. team through birthright citizenship, a concept Trump has previously sought to challenge. Radio host Courtney Theriault echoed this sentiment, calling it "peak Trump."
Trump, speaking to reporters, denied telling FIFA what to do and stated his belief that the red card was not the proper call. He suggested that a committee, not Infantino himself, made the decision and that it was the correct one to ensure the best players participate. A win for the U.S. in their upcoming match against Belgium would mark their first appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals since 2002.