Trump’s FIFA Intervention Comes With 1 Very Awkward Twist
FIFA reversed the one-match ban after Trump reportedly called Gianni Infantino, as critics highlighted the irony of aiding a birthright citizen.
- FIFA overturned striker Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension on Sunday, clearing him to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match after President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
- Balogun received an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off during the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering controversy over FIFA's disciplinary process.
- Belgians in Brussels expressed outrage, with Prevot stating, "If it was really this phone call behind this incomprehensible decision, then that would be flouting the most basic rules of football and sport."
- Critics noted the irony of Trump intervening for Balogun, a birthright citizen, while spending years attempting to end birthright citizenship—a policy the Supreme Court recently upheld against his administration's challenges.
- U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White denied interference, stating, "Trump would never interfere with the inner workings of FIFA.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The suspension of a sanction to an American player after the intervention of the president of the United States questions the independence of the agency and stirs the tournament
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of the World Cup only leads to one thing
Donald Trump’s intervention in the Folarin Balogun furore has opened the Fifa president to his most fierce criticism yet, writes Miguel Delaney, and may pave the way for more bitter ‘lawfare’ in football
Sara Telek is one of four Austrian FIFA referees. The matches at the Football World Cup are not so intensely followed by them. However, the discussion about the scandalous decision of FIFA after the intervention of US President Trump.
It wasn't enough for Team USA – despite Trump's intervention after the Redblock for storm star Balogun. Trump's interference was highly criticised worldwide, but not by US journalist Erik Kirschbaum: "I wished Angela Merkel would have campaigned for Torsten Frings in 2006.
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