Donald Trump didn’t know what a red card was, felt compelled to intervene in Balogun red-card row: ‘Referee a suspect’

Folarin Balogun was given a straight red card after a video review for stepping on the ankle of a Bosnian defender in their Round of 32 clash.

Updated on: Jul 6, 2026, 21:58:51 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Donald Trump revealed on Monday that FIFA's suspension of Folarin Balogun's red card followed his call to Gianni Infantino to review the decision. According to Trump, the referee made a 'horrible' call by issuing a red card to the US striker.

Donald Trump revealed that he asked FIFA to review the red card decision. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump also pointed out that he didn't ask for the red card to be overturned and simply called for a review.

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‘I didn’t think it was a foul': Donald Trump

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, "I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul. All I did was ask for a review, I didn't say you have to do this."

"That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other."

Trump also revealed that, initially,, he didn't know the red card meant Balogun would be suspended for the next game, and called it an 'unfair' rule. He also took a dig at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who made the decision, calling it suspicious due to his 'past'.

Balogun was given a straight red card after a video review for stepping on the ankle of a Bosnian defender in their Round of 32 clash, which the US won 2-0.

FIFA said in a statement that its Disciplinary Committee removed the automatic one-game ban, citing Article 27. Balogun will be on probation for one year and is eligible to play unless he commits another infringement of a similar nature during that period.

Meanwhile, the US media reported that after the red card, it took days of lobbying from the Trump administration to get the decision overturned. The lobbying was from officials like Andrew Giuliani and Howard Lutnick. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called for the red card to be rescinded.

"We're going to have a full team, and Belgium is going to have a full team, and you know what? If they beat us, then they can be really proud," said Trump.

"The other way, if they beat us... I say it was rigged, just like the election was rigged in 2020," referring to his repeated allegation that the 2020 election was fixed.

The Royal Belgian Football Association is also challenging FIFA's decision. In a statement, it said, "Regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the RBFA is deeply concerned by the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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