Trump Aides Lobbied FIFA to Overturn US Soccer Player's Red Card

Details emerged Sunday about a behind-the-scenes campaign by former President Donald Trump's aides and senior U.S. Soccer executives to overturn a red card suspension for a U.S. striker, who ultimately played in the team's World Cup match against Belgium.

Folarin Balogun was sent off after video review determined he stepped on the ankle of an opponent. Though the referee initially did not issue a card, VAR intervened, resulting in a straight red. This forced the U.S. to finish the match with 10 players.

According to The Wall Street Journal, concerns grew within the White House almost immediately after the match. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, reportedly argued that the suspension significantly weakened the U.S. team's chances of advancing. They discussed potential options with Trump, who instructed aides to explore ways to get the suspension overturned, while administration officials reportedly consulted attorneys aligned with the president.

Simultaneously, U.S. Soccer mounted its own challenge to FIFA's decision. The New York Post reported that U.S. Soccer chief executive JT Batson and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich led an effort arguing that VAR procedures were incorrectly applied. U.S. Soccer reportedly considered taking the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if FIFA declined to reconsider.

Neither FIFA nor the Court of Arbitration for Sport have publicly confirmed these discussions. However, Trump later confirmed he personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the situation.

Balogun ended up having his one-game suspension suspended for a year and started for the U.S. against Belgium in their World Cup match. The U.S. team was ultimately defeated by Belgium 4-1.

Among the notable spectators at the match were Paris Hilton, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and television personality Lauren Sanchez. Hilton served as the honorary Stadium Captain for the game. Bezos and Sanchez were seen looking downcast as the U.S. lost.