Donald Trump thanks FIFA as USA 'great injustice' at World Cup is reversed

Donald Trump thanked FIFA after the governing body reversed what he called a “great injustice” involving Folarin Balogun, clearing the midfielder to play for the USA in their Round of 16 against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, after dragging his studs down the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s calf. Although the red dismissal normally triggers a one-match ban, FIFA deferred the enforcement for 12 months, suspending the application of the suspension under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. Trump posted on Truth Social that FIFA reversed the decision, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those urging reconsideration. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said it was “never” a red card and described the action as accidental. The article also notes reporting suggesting White House officials sought influence, though it cites the code’s “independent nature” and says outcome power rests with the disciplinary framework.