Trump Backs Balogun Red Card Overturn

Balogun’s Dismissal Sparks Uproar

The United States striker received a red card in the 64th minute for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic as the U.S. beat Bosnia‑Herzegovina 2‑0. The refereeing decision, made by Raphael Claus, quickly ignited debate across social media and within the national team’s camp. President Trump later branded the official “very suspect,” intensifying the scrutiny on the call.

Trump’s Public Call for Review

Speaking at the White House ahead of the knockout tie with Belgium, the former president declared the dismissal “wasn’t a foul” and labelled the referee suspicious. He said he had asked FIFA to reconsider the punishment, framing it as a matter of sports integrity. Trump also made a brief comment about Caitlin Clark’s treatment in basketball, calling it “rather rough.” He warned that if the U.S. loses to Belgium, the result would be blamed on a rigged system, echoing his 2020 election rhetoric.

Diplomatic Pressure on FIFA

Reports indicate that Trump reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had previously awarded him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Additional officials—Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani of the White House World Cup Task Force—also contacted the governing body. The coordinated outreach seemed to prompt FIFA’s swift remedial action.

FIFA’s Conditional Reprieve

FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, placing Balogun’s one‑match ban on a one‑year probation. The governing body warned that any further similar infringement would trigger the original sanction without delay. The striker will be available for the upcoming match after Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social, calling the decision a reversal of a “great injustice.”

Reaction From Teams and Pundits

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino and midfielder Christian Pulisic praised the outcome, noting it allowed Balogun to continue contributing to the squad. Belgium’s Rudi García dismissed the move as an “April Fools” joke, arguing it undermined football’s credibility. The Royal Belgian Football Association called the maneuver astonishingly bending of the rules, while British analysts Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney branded the episode a “disgrace” and cautioned that it could cloud the team’s on‑field successes. Some observers warned the controversy might tarnish the U.S. side’s achievements, including a 4‑1 victory over Paraguay where Balogun netted twice.