Trump admits he asked FIFA to review red card and criticizes Brazilian referee: 'A little suspicious'

Donald Trump thanked FIFA for reversing the red card given to an American striker
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, confirmed this Monday (6) that he asked FIFA to review the red card given to the United States player Folarin Balogun during the North American team's last match in the World Cup, against Bosnia Herzegovina.
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When asked about the issue in a press conference To the press 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 defended himself against 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 for the US team match was Brazilian Raphael Claus. After criticizing his work 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 call that no one could believe, you know? Even people on the other side."
Belgium will contest the decision
Earlier, the Belgian football federation demanded explanations from FIFA for revoke the red card.
Belgium faces the United States this Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
In a statement, the Belgian 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.
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus.
Phil Noble / Reuters
Under the claim of protecting the fundamental principles of "fair play" and the rights of the participating teams, the Belgian federation reported that it is already investigating all potential options in the case.
Supposed intervention by Trump
According to a US official, Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly to "better understand the reason" for the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, last Wednesday (1st).
After reviewing the move in the VAR, referee Raphael Claus sent Balogun off in the 18th minute of the final stage. The attacker received a red card for stepping on Muharemovic's ankle.
For TV Globo, the source, who spoke anonymously, stated that the US government "provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process", but highlighted that the appeal process is led by an independent board.
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 social media, the North American president congratulated FIFA and said that the body reversed a great injustice.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!", published the president.
Donald Trump congratulates FIFA for reversing the red card given to a US striker during the 2026 World Cup.
Reproduction
During a press conference this Sunday (5), 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 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 Argentine coach.
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Phil Noble / Reuters

Source: G1