Before the Round of 16 match, President Trump caused controversy by pressuring FIFA President Gianni Infantino to rescind the red card given to United States striker Folarin Balogun in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The world governing body quickly announced that it had lifted the automatic one-match suspension for Balogun’s sending off and allowed him to play in the match, sparking controversy. Belgium subsequently dismissed its appeal against this ruling. Still, Rudi Garcia’s side enjoyed a final in Seattle with goals from Charles de Quetelaere (two goals), Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku, clinching a place in the quarter-finals against Spain.
Belgians, who felt they had been stricken by the Balogun scandal, pressed their case with a celebratory mood inspired by President Trump, which probably did not sit well with the US leader.
This is not the first time the president has been ridiculed by rivals in the sports world.
The footage quickly reached the president, who unexpectedly responded positively to the rant. Writing in Truth Social, he said, “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations!”
Meanwhile, the controversy over President Trump’s involvement in the World Cup shows no signs of abating, and pressure is mounting on Infantino to resign.
FIFA maintains strict regulations regarding political interference in national federations, and just last month suspended the Nepal federation for interference by third parties.
Mr. Infantino released a statement Monday claiming the decision was made by an independent disciplinary committee, but only saying that Mr. Trump had personally lobbied Mr. Infantino.
“I saw the play. That (Balogun’s challenge) was not a foul, it was not a violation. It was an accidental collision between two men running at full speed,” the president said.
“You have these two great athletes in a tangle, and this referee, who is a bit questionable if you look at his past, made a call that no one could believe. He (Balogun) did nothing wrong, he’s our best player, or one of our best players, and he gave him a red card.”
“It’s very unfair. You can’t do that. So, yes, I asked FIFA to review it. I spoke to a very respected man (Infantino) and by the way, his level of respect has increased tenfold.”
Still, with FIFA’s Supreme Court under increased scrutiny, Infantino may regret that President Trump made public the details of their conversation.
