Donald Trump admitted to being “forced” to intervene with FIFA following the red card shown to forward Folarin Balogun, a decision that continues to generate controversy months after the 2026 World Cup. The former president of the United States revealed the episode during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, where he was alongside the organization's president, Gianni Infantino.
Trump recalled that he called Infantino to “make a recommendation” regarding Balogun's situation, but he admitted he did not know the outcome of the conversation: “I said, 'Gianni, I would like to file a complaint.' I didn't say to let him play; I didn't know what was going to happen.” The forward, who received a red card, ultimately had his suspension lifted and was able to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, a match in which the US team lost 4-1. Trump argued that Infantino deserves “credit” for this decision: “He made a big decision. They will never give him credit for that.”
The suspension of the red card was attributed solely to the president of FIFA's disciplinary committee, Mohammad al-Kamali, with the remaining 17 members not participating in the decision, according to subsequent reports. The controversy persists regarding how the decision was made and its influence on the tournament's outcome.
During the same intervention, Trump criticized the strategy of the England team in the semi-final against Argentina, where coach Thomas Tuchel allegedly made a mistake by placing Harry Kane, the captain and one of England's best players, in a defensive position. Trump, who played golf with Kane before the match, deemed the decision “a bit strange” and stated that the team should have been more offensive.
The former president also highlighted the success in viewership and attendance of the World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which broke attendance records even before the knockout stage began. Trump expressed interest in having the U.S. host the World Cup again, preferably alone, in 2034, although he revealed that Infantino suggested a joint bid between the United States and China, with a “short flight between matches” to facilitate player transportation.
Despite these statements, it is confirmed that the 2030 edition will be organized by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while the 2034 edition will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, decisions that were announced some time ago. Trump's intentions, however, reveal that the United States still aims to maintain a prominent position in world football.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
AGORA PODE ACOMPANHAR O MUNDIAL DE FUTEBOL COM TODA INFORMAÇÃO – AQUI
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
