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Trump's FIFA call prompts backlash over influence on USMNT's Balogun ban

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 1:00 AM

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

Trump's FIFA call prompts backlash over influence on USMNT's Balogun ban

Summary

Donald Trump admitted to contacting FIFA chief Gianni Infantino regarding a red card shown to USMNT player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. Following Trump's intervention, FIFA suspended Balogun's one-match ban, leading to criticism from former Trump official Miles Taylor, who accused Trump of corrupting international sport. Taylor described Trump's conduct as intimidation, paralleling his approach towards judicial matters. The USMNT subsequently lost to Belgium 4-1 in the round of 16 after Balogun played. FIFA rejected an appeal from the Royal Belgian Football Association related to Balogun's participation.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Trump called FIFA's Gianni Infantino about Balogun's red card.
•FIFA suspended Balogun's ban after Trump's intervention.
•Former official Miles Taylor claims Trump corrupted international sport.
•USMNT lost to Belgium 4-1 in the round of 16.
•Belgium's appeal against Balogun's participation was rejected by FIFA.

Latest Updates

1:00 AMYahoo Sports — Trump Ex-Official Claims President’s FIFA Meddling Has ‘Corrupted International Sport For A Generation’ In Bold Comments

What they're saying

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Donald Trump has admitted to calling FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, asking him to “review” a controversial red card shown to The Trump Ex-Official Claims President’s FIFA Meddling Has ‘Corrupted International Sport For A Generation’ In Bold Comments first appeared on The Blast
— Yahoo Sports

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