Infantino Admits Trump Called Over Balogun Ban

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that US President Donald Trump personally called him regarding Folarin Balogun's suspension, following FIFA's decision to suspend the striker's one-match ban for a year.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism across the football world, with many questioning FIFA's independence after Balogun became eligible to continue playing in the World Cup.
Speaking on Monday, Infantino acknowledged the conversation with Trump but insisted that FIFA's judicial bodies remain fully independent and that he did not interfere in the disciplinary process.
"During our conversation, I informed President Trump that the matter was under the legal process of FIFA's independent judicial bodies," Infantino said in a statement. "The relevant authorities would make their decision in due course. This is how FIFA operates, and it is a principle I will always uphold."
Trump, however, described the conversation differently while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office.
"He (Balogun) did nothing wrong. He's one of our best players," Trump said. "When you're told your best player can't play, that's very unfair."
The US president added that he had personally requested FIFA to reconsider the punishment.
"I asked them to review it. If a top player like that had been prevented from playing, it would have left a major stain on the World Cup. I shared that view with them, and I think they made a tremendous decision."
The controversy began during the United States' Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal automatically carried a one-match suspension, which would have ruled him out of the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Trump also questioned the neutrality of Brazilian referee Rafael Claus, who issued the red card, although he provided no evidence to support his allegations.

MMR