"All I did was ask for a review because I didn't think it was a foul," US President Donald Trump told reporters today in the Oval Office. He was referring to reports that the White House had asked FIFA to suspend the ban against Folarin Balogun, a 25-year-old striker and a top scorer for the US national team in this year's World Cup.

US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, White House, 6/7. Photo: Reuters

Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during a 1/16 round victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina on 1/7, which typically means missing one match. However, on 5/7, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the suspension of the penalty, allowing Balogun to play in today's match against Belgium at Lumen Field, Washington.

According to President Trump, the incident where Balogun received a red card was merely a normal collision between two players. He also questioned the referee's objectivity in making the foul call.

"I saw the incident. That was not a foul," he stated. "It wasn't even worth a foul call. Those were two players running at full speed who accidentally collided."

The US president believed FIFA made a "truly wise decision" by suspending Balogun's penalty. "I thought the referee's decision was terrible," he said.

However, Trump affirmed that he "cannot issue orders" to FIFA and "did not tell them what to do."

In its announcement suspending Balogun's penalty, FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code. This article states that the execution of a suspension is deferred for a probationary period of one year. If Balogun re-offends with similar conduct during this time, the penalty will be reactivated, and the player will also face additional disciplinary measures if applicable.

Striker Folarin Balogun in the match between the US and Bosnia & Herzegovina on 1/7. Photo: AFP

Following FIFA's announcement, President Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, thanking the organization "for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice."

US media later reported that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on 2/7 to request a review of the suspension for the striker who scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA's decision faced a wave of fierce criticism from global football fans. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) today issued a statement opposing FIFA's decision regarding Balogun's case.

UEFA argued that FIFA overstepped its bounds by interfering with a mandatory regulation. "FIFA's decisions on 5/7 to defer Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match suspension crossed a red line," the statement read.

FIFA declined to comment on the White House's influence on its decision, while affirming that the Disciplinary Committee is an independent body.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP, CNN)