Donald Trump confirms he asked Gianni Infantino and FIFA to review Folarin Balogun red card | OneFootball

Donald Trump on Monday confirmed he had asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident that led to Folarin Balogun’s red card, calling the referee’s original decision horrible.

The New York Times reports that he made the request in person. The move has thrust FIFA’s disciplinary process into the global spotlight.

Balogun was dismissed for a studs-on-heel challenge on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 32, a 2-0 win.

Trump argued there was no foul or even an infringement, describing it as an accidental collision between two players running at full speed, and he questioned the referee’s impartiality.

He hailed FIFA’s decision to lift the red card as a really brilliant decision. He said he had only requested a review and could not tell the organisation what to do, adding that it was important for the United States to have their best players on the pitch.

Belgium reacted angrily to the episode as they prepare to face the United States in the last 16 in the early hours of Tuesday, with kick-off at two am.

Source: L'Équipe