World Cup 2026: President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA's Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card suspension

FIFA stunned the soccer world with its announcement Sunday that Balogun's one-match ban for his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 had been suspended and he would be allowed to play in the Round of 16. Sunday afternoon, several reports emerged that Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked for the World Cup governing body to review Balogun's ban.

After FIFA announced Balogun could play, Trump posted to social media and thanked FIFA for reversing what he said was an "injustice," though he did not imply that he had a role in FIFA's decision. In its statement announcing Balogun could play against Belgium, FIFA cited Article 27 in its sporting code. That article states that "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

Balogun's red card has been suspended for a year. 

Before the Balogun decision, the only other time FIFA had allowed a player who received a red card to play in the subsequent game came in 1962, when Brazil's Garrincha was allowed to play in the final after a red card in the semifinal.

Belgium said it was "astonished" Balogun was allowed to play after getting the red card. Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina after he stepped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemović's leg.

Balogun was not called for a foul in real time, but video replay officials sent referee Raphael Claus to the replay monitor. While at the monitor, Claus saw Balogun's foul in slow motion. According to FIFA's VAR rules, replays to determine the intensity of offenses "should" be shown at "normal speed."