2 hours ago - Sports

Trump official sought FIFA review of Balogun red card

Rebecca Falconer

President Trump, in a navy suit and red tie, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, wearing a blue FIFA lanyard and medal, standing beside a bald man in a dark suit; a large golden trophy is visible in front. — President Trump with FIFA President Gianni Infantino after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize in Washington, D.C., in December. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

A Trump administration official asked FIFA to review U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card, a source familiar with the matter tells Axios.

Why it matters: Direct intervention by a U.S. administration official in a FIFA disciplinary case would be highly unusual, and the reversal of Balogun's one-match suspension allows him to play in the knockout stage.

The big picture: The episode underscores the extraordinary level of White House interest in the U.S. men's national team's World Cup run and raises questions about political involvement in international sports governance.

Driving the news: The New York Times reported Sunday that President Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, though the source did not identify who contacted FIFA about Balogun's disciplinary case.

Trump welcomed the reversal in a Truth Social post earlier Sunday, saying: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

Flashback: Balogun was red-carded in Team USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

What's next: The U.S. plays Belgium in the round of 16 clash on Monday.

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Trump official sought FIFA review of Balogun red card

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