Former President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review a controversial red card decision involving U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) striker Folarin Balogun. The intervention led to Balogun being cleared to play in the team's upcoming World Cup match against Belgium.
A source confirmed to Fox News that Trump, who has referred to Infantino as a "great leader in sports" and a friend, called the FIFA president to discuss the red card Balogun received during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun, who has scored three goals in the current World Cup, was initially suspended following the incident. However, FIFA's disciplinary code allows for the suspension of disciplinary measures under certain conditions. The Athletic reported that FIFA's judicial body can decide to suspend the implementation of a sanction, particularly for probationary periods.
FIFA confirmed that Balogun's suspension was placed on a probationary period of one year. U.S. Soccer issued a statement accepting the decision and expressing pleasure that Balogun is eligible to compete. The team's focus is now on the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision and stated that they are investigating all potential options to reverse it. The USMNT coaching staff, who had been planning without Balogun, can now field their regular starting lineup against Belgium.
Trump and Infantino are scheduled to be together on July 19 for the World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Infantino previously stated that Trump would present the World Cup trophy to the winning team's captain on the field, as he did the previous year at the FIFA Club World Cup Final.
If the USMNT defeats Belgium, they would advance to the quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement in the country's World Cup history. Their next opponent would be the winner of the match between Portugal and Spain.