Balogun red card fury – Trump branded ‘gangster’, Infantino ‘must go’ | UK | News
Increasing criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been directed by Jurgen Klopp after world football’s governing body overturned Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension following intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure after Trump publicly stated he wanted Balogun’s red card to be reviewed, a decision that allowed the US striker to play in Monday night’s World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium.
Balogun was in the USA’s starting 11 after FIFA lifted his one-match ban following his expulsion in the Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
The decision prompted the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) to take legal action.
Before kick-off, the RBFA notified US Soccer that Balogun’s eligibility would be challenged if he appeared on the official team sheet, adding that it reserved the right to take further action.
Speaking at a press conference in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump confirmed that he had personally requested a review of the incident because he believed Balogun should never have been sent away.
“I didn’t think it was a foul,” the US president said.
The controversy led to one of the strongest public reactions to Infantino during his time in charge of FIFA.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp joined UEFA and the German and Belgian football associations in criticizing the governing body’s handling of the case.
“This is our sport, not theirs,” Klopp said.
“If Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino actually worked it out between themselves, it’s crazy; “He questions everything.”
The controversy also led to new calls for Infantino’s resignation. The Express contacted Infantino via FIFA for comment.
Former Football Association president David Bernstein, who previously campaigned against former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, described the situation as “absolutely wrong” and “terrible”, the Daily Telegraph reported.
“It touches on one of the beauties of football, which is the enforcement of regulations and rules around the world,” he said.
FIFA relied on Article 27 of the disciplinary code to suspend Balogun’s red card ban for a year, allowing him to play while the matter was investigated.
The decision triggered other objections elsewhere in the tournament.
While the Football Federation is considering whether to appeal the penalty of Jarell Quansah, who received a red card in England’s match against Mexico, France is also trying to cancel the yellow card Michael Olise received against Paraguay.
Sources close to the discussions claim Trump brought up Balogun’s case with Infantino on three separate occasions.
Infantino emphasized that the disciplinary decision was made independently and was not influenced by discussions with the US president.
But Trump openly claimed he helped secure the outcome.
“I’m the one who made them do this,” he said.
“I watched the game and I’m a person who loves sports. It wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a violation.
“This referee, who seems a bit suspicious when you look at his background, made a decision that no one could believe.
“He’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card.”
The president also admitted that he was not familiar with football’s disciplinary system before the incident.
“I didn’t know what a red card was. When I found out I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ I said.”
Trump defended contacting Infantino, arguing that the tournament should feature the world’s biggest stars.
“How would you feel if we eliminated Messi, Ronaldo or Harry Kane?” he said.
“We have our best players and they need to be at their best and if we win or lose it will be fair.”
UEFA described FIFA’s intervention as “crossing the red line”.
Politicians from across the UK also criticized the governing body.
Labor MP Clive Betts, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Football Group, said FIFA should explain its actions.
“I’m sorry if it’s literally just a phone call from Trump, but I think he should either resign, or if he doesn’t, FIFA should fire him,” he said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added: “Infantino must go. Wherever it is held, the World Cup belongs to the fans, not gangsters like Trump.”
Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron described the decision as “sheer tinpot corruption” and questioned whether the UK would now seek to rescind Quansah’s suspension.
Former sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe called for an immediate investigation, saying politicians and football administrators had undermined the integrity of the sport.
In response, Infantino insisted that FIFA’s judicial bodies act independently of his authority.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent,” he said.
“During our meeting, I explained that a legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies was ongoing and that the issue would be decided by the competent authorities as soon as possible.
“This is how FIFA’s system works and it is a principle I will always defend.”
His explanation failed to convince critics.
Labor MP Lord Rees described the incident as “an embarrassment to the sport”, while Labor MP Clive Efford said it showed FIFA remained “rotten to the core”.
Labor MP Noah Law has also written to Infantino, urging him to lift Quansah’s suspension, while a senior European football figure told Telegraph Sport that if the decision was a direct response to political lobbying, it was close to a governing body supporting match-fixing.
Despite the criticism, Trump praised FIFA’s decision.
“I think the referee’s decision was terrible,” he said.
“I just wanted a review. I didn’t tell them what to do. I can’t tell them what to do.”
