Updated 4 hours ago - Sports

Trump called FIFA's Infantino over Balogun suspension

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: Jia Haocheng/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's suspension before the governing body lifted it, a U.S. official tells Axios.

Why it matters: Direct presidential intervention in a FIFA disciplinary matter would be highly unusual, and the reversal allows Balogun to play in the knockout stage.

The big picture: The president's involvement illustrates how closely Trump is following the U.S. men's national team's World Cup campaign and highlights potential political influence on international sports governance.

Driving the news: The U.S. official said Trump spoke with Infantino because the president wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given to Balogun and why the one-game suspension was imposed.

The U.S. government provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process, which the official noted is run by an independent board.
The official added that ultimately the correct and proper outcome was achieved.
Trump in a Truth Social post earlier Sunday thanked FIFA for "doing what was right," saying the decision reversed "a great injustice!"
The New York Times first reported news of Trump's intervention.

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.

Go deeper: Belgium "astonished" by FIFA's Balogun red card reversal

Add Axios on Google

Trump called FIFA's Infantino over Balogun suspension

What to read next