Following Folarin Balogun's red card during the United States' World Cup match, some American soccer fans have urged former President Donald Trump to leverage his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn the suspension.
Balogun received a red card after a VAR review determined he committed a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the U.S. team's 2-0 victory. The infraction occurred as both players contested a 50-50 ball. The red card disqualifies Balogun from participating in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The calls for Trump's intervention stem from Infantino's perceived deference to the former president, evidenced by the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump in December. Fans and commentators have taken to social media, with some suggesting Trump could use his influence to get the red card rescinded.
One user on X, podcaster Manny Fidel, wrote, "If Trump wants to win an illegal third election in a landslide he'll call Infantino right now and get the red card rescinded." Author Steve Magness also tweeted, "Donald Trump needs to use his FIFA Peace Prize to pressure FIFA into rescinding the ultimate birthright citizen Flo Balogun's red card so he can play against Belgium."
However, the appeals face significant regulatory hurdles. FIFA regulations do not permit appeals for red cards, and there is no established precedent for Infantino reversing such a decision. US law also prohibits Trump from serving a third term as president, drawing a parallel to the limitations he faces in electoral politics.
Despite the regulatory landscape, some fans expressed a belief in Trump's potential to influence the situation. One fan remarked, "the only positive thing I could ever say about Trump is that I bet he could somehow get Infantino to overturn that Balogun suspension."
Infantino's past actions, including allowing Trump to present the World Cup trophy after the tournament finale and being seen wearing a hat referencing Trump's potential future presidency, have fueled speculation about their relationship. FIFA President Infantino was seen watching the U.S. win alongside Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, described as a personal friend and business partner of Trump.
One suggestion proposed that Trump could issue a presidential pardon for Balogun, a power he has previously exercised for numerous individuals. Fox News pundit Clay Travis suggested, "President Trump announcing he's overruling the awful FIFA official's call and pardoning Balogun for his red card under his presidential pardon powers to allow him to play against Belgium would break the Internet."
The discussion has also touched upon the dual citizenship of the U.S. team's goal scorers. Balogun, born in Brooklyn and raised in the UK, and Malik Tillman, born in Germany to an American serviceman and a German mother, both qualify to play for the U.S. This has drawn attention to Trump's past criticisms of immigration and birthright citizenship, with some pointing out the irony given the players' contributions to the team's victory.