Trump Boasts FIFA Reversal on US Player Suspension: "Good Decision!"
Trump Boasts FIFA Reversal on US Player Suspension: "Good Decision!"
Donald Trump claims credit for getting a US soccer star's World Cup ban lifted, stirring debate. Was it a good call or political interference? Get the full story!
Former President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines, this time for boasting about his direct intervention in a major FIFA decision. Speaking at Trump Tower in New York City during a reception with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump proudly recounted how he pressured the global football chief to overturn a World Cup suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun had received a one-match ban after a red card during a US-Bosnia match on July 1. According to Trump, he made a phone call to Infantino, stating, “I said I’d like to wage a complaint.” While Trump clarified he didn't explicitly demand Balogun's reinstatement, his influence appears to have been clear. FIFA subsequently reversed the suspension, allowing Balogun to play.
Trump framed the outcome as a positive, asserting, “It’s so much better the way it worked out because there’s no controversy.” He added, “They won the game, and our team had all of its players.” He even suggested that without Balogun, a potential loss would have led to accusations of unfairness. “So, Gianni made yet another of his many good decisions,” Trump concluded, standing beside Infantino.
This incident, occurring just before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, has not been without its critics. The move sparked a political backlash and accusations that the former president had overstepped his bounds by interfering in sporting governance. Despite Balogun returning to the field on July 6, the US team ultimately lost 1-4 to Belgium, ending their World Cup run. Nevertheless, Trump continues to view his involvement as a “good decision.”
