Blatter criticizes Trump's alleged role in Balogun's red card suspension
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 8:34 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned the alleged political influence behind the suspension of American World Cup player Folarin Balogun's red card. Balogun was sent off during the US team's 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout stage. Following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA announced it had temporarily suspended Balogun's ban, allowing him to participate in the round of 16 match against Belgium. Belgium's FA has expressed astonishment at the decision and there is widespread criticism regarding political intervention in football.
- •Blatter said red card suspensions should not be influenced politically.
- •Balogun was sent off in the US's knockout match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- •FIFA has temporarily suspended Balogun's one-match ban.
- •Belgium's FA is astonished by Balogun's eligibility to play.
- •Balogun is a key player for the US, scoring three goals in the tournament.
- 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA president Infantino denies Trump influenced Balogun red card reversal
- 4:34 PMYahoo Sports — Trump call did not influence Balogun decision, FIFA boss says
- 9:39 AMYahoo Sports — Sepp Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Folarin Balogun red card decision
- 9:05 AMYahoo Sports — Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter hits out at Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card
- 8:34 AMYahoo Sports — Former FIFA president Blatter joins critics in Balogun red card case
"FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says a call from US President Donald Trump about Folarin Balogun's red card in no way influenced the decision to suspend his ban as Belgium launched a late appeal on Monday. The saga has rocked the World Cup and shocked the football community, with critics accusing FIFA of giving in to alleged political meddling.
"Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned alleged influence of United States president Donald Trump in having a red card suspension for American World Cup player Folarin Balogun suspended by the ruling football body. "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls.
"FIFA’s controversial decision to overrule Folarin Balogun’s red card has not gone down well with Sepp Blatter. On Sunday, it was announced that the United States striker, Balogun, would now be eligible to face Belgium on Monday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 4:52 PMFIFA president Infantino denies Trump influenced Balogun red card reversal
Gianni Infantino has hit back against suggestions that Donald Trump influenced the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card suspension.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 4:34 PMTrump call did not influence Balogun decision, FIFA boss says
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says a call from US President Donald Trump about Folarin Balogun's red card in no way influenced the decision to suspend his ban as Belgium launched a late appeal on Monday. The saga has rocked the World Cup and shocked the football community, with critics accusing FIFA of giving in to alleged political meddling.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:39 AMSepp Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Folarin Balogun red card decision
Sepp Blatter has hit out at the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:05 AMFormer FIFA president Sepp Blatter hits out at Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card
FIFA’s controversial decision to overrule Folarin Balogun’s red card has not gone down well with Sepp Blatter. On Sunday, it was announced that the United States striker, Balogun, would now be eligible to face Belgium on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 8:34 AMFormer FIFA president Blatter joins critics in Balogun red card case
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned alleged influence of United States president Donald Trump in having a red card suspension for American World Cup player Folarin Balogun suspended by the ruling football body. "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls.
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