Donald Trump admits calling to FIFA Chief to Change Folarin Balogun Red Card, astonishingly attacks Referee

In a remarkable admission that has ignited fresh controversy at the 2026 World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he personally telephoned FIFA President Gianni Infantino to challenge a red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun - and went further by openly questioning the integrity of the referee involved.

Speaking to reporters, Trump detailed his intervention after Balogun was sent off during the United States' Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident, which occurred as Balogun challenged for the ball and made contact with an opponent's leg, resulted in a straight red card and an automatic one-game suspension.

"You're asking me about the whole soccer thing. So, yeah, I did. I spoke to Gianni," Trump said.

"That wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed who happened to crash into each other. You can't properly place your foot on somebody else's foot when you're going full speed. No, these were two great athletes who got tangled up."

Trump then turned his attention to the referee, delivering a comment that quickly drew widespread attention for its bluntness.

"And this referee, who is a little bit suspect-if you check his past. I don't want to say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect. If you'd like, I'll provide you with his past."

He continued: "He didn't do anything wrong, and he's our best player, or one of our best players-a very vital player-and they gave him a red card. I didn't know what that meant. I didn't think it meant much. Then I started hearing that it means you can't play in the next game... I said, 'Boy, that's a big-' You know, if it happened to another player, it would have been unfair, but when they take your best player... that's very unfair."

Trump explained that he pressed for a review, stating he contacted "a man who is highly respected, and by the way, whose level of respect has gone up tenfold."

Following the call, FIFA took the extraordinary step of suspending Balogun's ban, clearing the Arsenal forward to face Belgium in the Round of 16. Belgium has appealed the decision.

FIFA and Gianni Infantino Dancing to Donald Trump and White House Tunes?

The episode has fueled intense debate about political influence in football governance, especially with the United States co-hosting the tournament. Critics have accused both Trump and Infantino of undermining the sport's rules, while supporters argue the president was simply advocating for fair play on behalf of the American team.

The Belgian FA also appealed to FIFA to overturn their decision and reinstate the Red Card, but the apex body dismissed their plea. As the match is around two hours away, the Balogun situation remains unclear.