Published On 7/6/2026
Joseph Blatter, former president of FIFA, condemned the reported intervention of US President Donald Trump to influence the decision to lift the suspension of US national team player Folarin Balogun, after the red card he received in the World Cup.
Blatter criticizes the politicization of the World Cup
Blatter wrote on his account on the “X” social networking site on Monday: “Red cards are not canceled through political phone calls. Rather, they are canceled in accordance with regulations, evidence and decisions of independent bodies.”
He added: “If the President of the United States intervenes with the President of FIFA, and then the player suddenly becomes eligible to participate before a World Cup knockout match, the question becomes inevitable: Where is FIFA heading?”
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He continued: “Football must never turn into an arena for political influence.”
Balogun was sent off during the match in which the American team won over Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32, and was scheduled to miss due to suspension from facing Belgium in the round of 16, scheduled for later on Monday.
But FIFA announced on Sunday evening that the implementation of the ban would be suspended for one year, so that the player would be eligible to participate.
Trump call
American media later reported, citing informed sources, that Trump had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the issue.
The Belgian Football Association expressed its “surprise” that Balogun was allowed to participate, while FIFA’s decision and reported political interference were widely criticized.
There has been no comment yet from FIFA or the White House regarding the case, nor has FIFA explained the reasons that prompted it to suspend Balogun’s suspension.
Balogun is considered an important player for the US national team and scored three goals in the tournament.
His participation would enhance the United States’ chances of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
