Trump confirms he asked FIFA president to review the red card

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he asked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the foul that led to American striker Folarin Balogun being sent off. Trump added that he did not think the foul called by the “terrible” referee was justified.

The U.S. president thus confirmed what had been suspected – that he had asked Infantino to overturn Balogun’s punishment. FIFA ruled that the striker could play against Belgium on Tuesday morning, even though he was supposed to miss that match because of the card.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

FIFA’s disciplinary process has come under the spotlight. Trump’s intervention prompted numerous reactions.

“I watched the game. It wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a penalty. They were two guys running at full speed who happened to collide with each other,” Trump continued. He considers FIFA’s decision to suspend the punishment a truly excellent one.

“I think the referee’s decision was terrible.”

Donald Trump added that he had asked for a review and had not told FIFA what to do. According to Trump, it is important for Americans to have their best players on the field.