Trump Helps American Soccer Team With Unexpected Move

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President Trump on Sunday praised FIFA after the organization reversed the red card issued to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun during the Americans’ World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.

The original red card would have forced Balogun to serve a one-match suspension, sidelining the 25-year-old forward for Monday’s Round of 16 matchup against Belgium national football team.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice,” Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social, celebrating the decision. Trump received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize last year.

According to sports reporter Ben Jacobs, the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the incident. However, FIFA sources said the conversation did not influence the independent disciplinary panel that reviewed the case.

Balogun was initially shown a red card after a challenge involving Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. While Team USA did not have the ability to appeal the decision, FIFA’s disciplinary body retained the authority to review and modify the punishment.

In a statement cited by The Athletic, FIFA said the one-match suspension would instead be suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The organization noted that if Balogun commits another similar offense during that probationary period, the suspension could be reinstated in addition to any new disciplinary action.

The ruling clears Balogun to take the field for Team USA in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.