Donald Trump has confirmed he lobbied Fifa to intervene regarding Folarin Balogun's red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The former US president claimed responsibility for the decision to suspend the striker's one-match ban, making him available for the USA's last 16 match against Belgium.
Trump's intervention and Fifa's U-turn
Trump stated, 'I'm the one who got them to do it.' He explained that he asked for a review by Fifa and spoke to a highly respected individual whose level of respect has gone up tenfold. The intervention seemingly led Fifa to suspend Balogun's ban, a move that has sparked controversy.
Reactions from Belgian federation and Uefa
The Belgian football federation and manager Rudi Garcia, along with Uefa, responded strongly, claiming Fifa 'crossed a line' and offered the USA preferential treatment. They argued this calls into question the 'integrity' of the game and the World Cup. The incident has raised concerns about political influence in football governance.
Impact on USA's World Cup campaign
Balogun's availability strengthens the USA squad for the crucial knockout stage match. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Trump's involvement and others condemning it as undue interference. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the role of politics in sports.
