President Donald Trump personally intervened in an effort to have U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun reinstated after a controversial red card suspension during a World Cup match, according to reports. White House officials, U.S. Soccer executives, and legal teams were involved in a behind-the-scenes campaign that ultimately led to FIFA overturning Balogun's automatic one-match ban.
The incident occurred during the United States' Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Balogun was issued a straight red card after video assistant referee (VAR) review determined he had stepped on the ankle of an opposing player. This resulted in an automatic one-match suspension.
Concern grew within the White House and U.S. Soccer following the decision. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, argued that the suspension significantly harmed the U.S. team's chances of advancing. President Trump subsequently instructed aides to explore ways to reverse the ban.
Simultaneously, U.S. Soccer initiated its own challenge, with CEO JT Batson and COO Dan Helfrich reportedly leading an effort that argued VAR protocols were misapplied. The organization considered legal action, potentially escalating to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, if FIFA did not reconsider.
Both The Wall Street Journal and New York Post reported that President Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun's suspension. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump urged Infantino to review the decision. The New York Post reported that Infantino informed Trump the matter was already under consideration by FIFA's independent disciplinary committee.
FIFA's disciplinary committee ultimately rescinded Balogun's suspension, citing Article 27 of its regulations, which allows for discretionary review of sanctions. Following the decision, Trump celebrated the outcome on social media, thanking FIFA for reversing what he called a "great injustice."
FIFA has declined to comment on White House involvement, stating that its disciplinary committee operates independently. However, the reversal drew criticism from some international soccer federations. Belgium's football federation expressed astonishment, and Belgium's manager Rudi Garcia questioned the legitimacy of the decision. Norway's coach Ståle Solbakken described the reversal as a "bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision."
Within the U.S. team, the ruling was met with relief. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated he was not involved in the effort to overturn the suspension, emphasizing his focus on preparing the team. He acknowledged that the Federation worked diligently to address the situation and that the team had already been penalized by playing the remainder of the match with 10 men.
U.S. players also expressed surprise and relief, with defender Chris Richards noting that many initially doubted the news, thinking it might be artificial intelligence-generated. Christian Pulisic supported the decision, stating Balogun had no intent and deserved the chance to play.
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