President Donald Trump has denied telling FIFA to revoke the red card given to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup match against Bosnia.
In a video statement, Trump said he merely requested a review of the incident and did not instruct FIFA President Gianni Infantino on what decision to make.
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“That wasn’t a foul … that wasn’t even an infraction,” Trump said, adding that the referee who issued the red card is “a little bit suspect” and “has a past.”
The red card was handed to Balogun in the U. S.
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vs. Bosnia match last Wednesday.
On Sunday, FIFA overturned the decision, clearing Balogun to play in the Round of 16 game against Belgium.
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Belgium has since filed a last-minute appeal against the revocation, fueling controversy over Trump’s involvement.
Critics accuse the president of influencing tournament decisions, especially given his public push to bring both the World Cup and Olympics to the United States.
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Trump suggested using VAR to review his alleged conversation with Infantino, insisting he only asked for a review and did not dictate the outcome.
