Comments after FIFA annuls Balogun's expulsion AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson; Reproduction A post by American striker Balogun on Instagram received a barrage of criticism after FIFA annulled the red card that would have taken him out of this Monday's match (6), between the United States and Belgium. The comments include expressions such as "scandal" and "manipulation", as well as red card emojis, in response to what has been seen as FIFA's favoritism towards the United States, one of the countries hosting the 2026 World Cup. "Corruption, do the right thing," commented one person. "Ban the US for political interference: there is no other choice," wrote another user. US President Donald Trump confirmed this Monday that he asked FIFA to review the red card given to Balogun in last Wednesday's match (1st), against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun's profile is invaded by rival fans with criticism for card cancellation after Trump's request: 'Corruption'
Comments after FIFA annuls Balogun's expulsion AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson; Reproduction A post by American striker Balogun on Instagram received a barrage of criticism after FIFA annulled the red card that would have taken...
"All I did was ask for a review because I didn't think it was foul. I didn't tell FIFA what to do. The committee made the right decision. It's unfair to exclude one of the USA's best players." Trump called Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who gave Balogun the red card, "a little suspicious" and criticized the on-field decision. "He made a mark that no one could believe, you know? Even people on the other side," he said. Folarin Balogun of the USA receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus. Phil Noble / Reuters FIFA president Gianni Infantino admitted having received a call from Trump, but assured that he had no power over the decision taken by the federation's Disciplinary Committee. "FIFA's judicial bodies are independent, they act autonomously. (...) I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect these decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them," he said in a statement. The FIFA Disciplinary Code provides that a disciplinary measure, such as a red card, can be suspended in whole or in part. Even with Infantino's explanation, some users directly criticized Balogun. "A red card is a red card," said one person. "If you were an ethical athlete, you wouldn't play today," wrote another. Comments after FIFA annuls Balogun's expulsion Reproduction
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