President Donald Trump defended his alleged intervention in the case of U.S. national team striker Folarin Balogun, asserting that his goal was merely to request a review of the decision, not to pressure for its cancellation.
Trump stated, "If they win the match, they can truly be proud of that. But if they win it without one of the players, the feeling would be completely different."
He added, "I am very happy because all I asked for was a review and reconsideration of the matter, and I never said you must make a specific decision or do this."
Trump praised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying, "Gianni Infantino is a smart and strong man. He is a smart and strong man, and his stock has risen tremendously because of the great work he has done."
He continued, "I feel we should have all the best players on the field. You can't leave out the best players."
Trump concluded, "I understand sports very well. Balogun did nothing wrong in that moment, and the referee's decision was very strange and questionable. I don't like to stir controversy, but I can provide you with this referee's record."
He wrapped up his remarks by reiterating his stance on the case, clarifying, "Our player did nothing wrong, yet he was sent off with a red card. I didn't know that this dismissal also meant he would miss the next match! Losing our best player this way is completely unfair, and that's why I called for FIFA to review this decision."
Trump's comments come amid ongoing global debate over FIFA's decision to suspend the automatic ban on Folarin Balogun ahead of the match against Belgium, a decision that has drawn widespread criticism from football associations and prominent sports figures worldwide.
