FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, described receiving a call from President Trump as routine following the United States’ victory over Bosnia. This win moved the team to the World Cup quarterfinals. Despite Infantino’s nonchalance, the call triggered significant controversy, shaking confidence in FIFA’s neutrality.
President Trump, watching the game, became upset when the star striker, Folarin Balogun, was suspended due to a red card issued by a Brazilian referee. Displeased by this decision, Trump called Infantino, seeking a review, believing no foul had occurred.
Soccer rules regarding red cards are straightforward. Players suspended due to a red card must miss at least one subsequent game. Despite this, FIFA announced Balogun’s reprieve, which many saw as a presidential pardon rather than a sporting decision.
FIFA officials, often embroiled in disputes, defended their decision with legal jargon, asserting that Trump and Infantino had no influence over the independent committee’s decision that led to Balogun’s reprieve.
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