🏏 Sports🌐 Global
Trump Called FIFA to Reverse Balogun's Red Card — And It Worked. UEFA Is Furious.
Times of India·Tuesday, 7 July 2026
US President Donald Trump confirmed he personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card and one-match suspension. FIFA then lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium in the Round of 16. UEFA called the decision 'incomprehensible' and said FIFA had crossed a 'red line', while FIFA insisted it 'operates autonomously'.
Why It Matters
A sitting head of state directly influencing a FIFA decision during the World Cup is extraordinary — it raises real questions about whether the sport's governing body can stay independent from political pressure.
🔒 Potential Impact + source link
Subscribe to unlock the impact analysis and original source for every story.
More from Sports
- Sanju Samson Dropped From India's Zimbabwe T20I Squad; Ashok Sharma Gets First Call-Up
- India Slip to 1-0 Deficit as England's New-Look T20I Side Finds Its Footing
- Joe Root Closes In on Sachin Tendulkar's All-Time Test Run Record
- Haaland Fires Norway Into FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals With Brace Against Brazil