FIFA President denies interference in decision that resulted in US player being red carded

Trump admits that he asked FIFA to review the red card
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, defended himself against criticism of political interference in the decision that annulled the red card given to United States national team player Folarin Balogun, during the North American team's last match in the World Cup, against Bosnia Herzegovina.
✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp
After the president of the United States, Donald Trump, confirmed that asked the federation to review the red card given to the player, Infantino admitted that he received a phone number from Trump, but assured that he had no power over the decision taken and that he only informed that a legal process was underway in the federation's Disciplinary Committee. What I always do, however, is respect these decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them," he said in a statement.
Gianni Infantino, center, alongside leaders from Canada and Morocco
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Shortly before, asked about the issue at a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump said he did not consider the foul called by the "horrible" referee to be fair and refuted accusations of political interference in the competition:
"All I did was ask for a review, because I didn't think it was a foul. I didn't tell FIFA what to do. The committee made the right decision. It's unfair to exclude one of the best players in the USA."
The referee of the match was Brazilian Raphael Claus.
After reviewing the move with VAR, Claus sent off Balogun in the 18th minute of the final stage. The attacker received a red card for stepping on Muharemovic's ankle.
Trump during a press interview in the Oval Office of the White House this Monday (6).
Reuters/Evan Vucci
After criticizing the work of the Brazilian referee on the field, the US president also made insinuations about possible irregularities involving his name:
"This referee is a little suspicious. If you check his past... I don't want to say that, because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspicious, as if I could show you the history. He made a mark that no one could believe, you know? Even people on the other side."
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus.
Phil Noble / Reuters
Belgium will contest the decision
Earlier, Belgium, which faces the United States this Monday (6) for a place in the quarter-finals, demanded explanations from FIFA for revoking the red card.
In note, the Belgian Football Federation stated that it has not yet received "neither FIFA's decision nor any explanation regarding this case". According to the entity, "in these circumstances, there is no other option but to challenge the player's eligibility for the next match."
The Belgians argue that "Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (expulsion) automatically results in suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case with all previous red cards issued during this World Cup."
Belgium's football governing body also pointed out that the striker's release directly contravenes Article 10.5 of the 2026 World Cup Regulations, reinforcing that the punishment should be automatic. According to the Belgians, this rule was reaffirmed by FIFA in circulars and official meetings before each match of the tournament.
Under the claim of protecting the fundamental principles of "fair play" and the rights of the participating teams, the Belgian federation informed that it is already investigating all potential options in the case.
Earlier, the European Union and UEFA also criticized FIFA for canceling the player's card after Trump's request.
Decision celebrated by Trump and coach of the USA
President of the United States, Donald Trump, and President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, pose for a photo with the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, at the White House. Photo from August 2025.
Disclosure/Casa Branca
On Sunday (5), Trump had already congratulated FIFA for canceling the card:
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!", published the president.
During a press conference also on Sunday, the coach of the North American team, Mauricio Pochettino, celebrated the decision.
"We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina by playing with one less for 30 minutes, in a completely unfair decision. And not just because I am the coach of the United States team and I need to defend my side. It's because I believe that 99.9% of people agree that that red card was unfair," said the coach Argentine.
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, during a game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Phil Noble / Reuters

Source: G1