FIFA's Infantino Accused of Vowing to Trump to Overturn Balogun Red Card

FIFA President Gianni Infantino allegedly told Donald Trump he would "take care of" Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card during a phone call on July 1, according to a New York Post report citing four sources. The striker had been sent off during the United States' 2-0 round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match ban that would have ruled him out against Belgium.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee subsequently suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play in the last-16 match, which the U.S. lost 4-1. The decision sparked immediate accusations of political interference and preferential treatment. Trump publicly confirmed he had asked Infantino to review the sending-off but insisted he did not demand a specific outcome.

“All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, you have to do this.”

FIFA has denied the allegation that Infantino promised to overturn the card. A spokesperson stated the organization's stance had not changed, while Infantino maintains that FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently and autonomously. The controversy arrives as Infantino faces mounting scrutiny ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In response to the incident, FIFA is preparing a proposed amendment to its disciplinary code. The change would prevent automatic one-match red-card suspensions from being lifted in future cases. The proposal is expected to be presented to the FIFA Council in Zurich.