Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban

Published 6 minutes ago President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup. Trump says football's world governing body "made the right decision" to suspend Balogun's ban, adding it would have left a "big stain" on the tournament had it been implemented. Balogun, who is his country's top scorer at the current tournament, was set to be suspended for his side's last-16 tie against Belgium in Seattle on Tuesday. But on Monday night, Fifa suspended the automatic one-game ban for 12 months, freeing the way for the 25-year-old forward to be selected. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked Fifa to review the decision because he "didn't think it was a foul". "I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled," said the 80-year-old. "I think it [the suspension] would have left a big stain. I can't tell them what to do. I don't believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision." To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, 'Sportsmanship in question' after decision to suspend Balogun red card USA striker Balogun's one-game ban suspended after Trump intervention Published 19 hours ago Integrity of game at stake over Fifa Balogun decision - Uefa Published 47 minutes ago To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Tuchel asks Trump to overturn Quansah red card More to follow. Related topics Football England Men's Football Team FIFA World Cup 2026 USA More on the World Cup The US World Cup star who wouldn't have been American under Trump's plan Published 19 June An incredible night when England heroes were made Published 8 hours ago Where does Mexico win rank among England's best results? Published 10 hours ago 'You've been trying to kill me for 23 years' - should Ronaldo start? Published 3 hours ago More on this story World Cup 2026 knockout path How to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITV Published 3 days ago Everything you need to know about the World Cup Published 1 April