Donald Trump revealed details of his conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an interview at the White House.

When asked by a reporter following the uproar that ensued, the U.S. president referred to the decision to issue a red card to the star player of the U.S. national team, Folarin Balogun.

“All I did was ask for a review of the play, because I didn’t think it was a foul. And, you know, I’m good at these things. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who collided and got tangled up,” he said initially.

“I think they made a really excellent decision. I think the referee’s decision was terrible, and nobody is talking about that. Everyone is talking about the red card as if it were absolutely correct; no one is talking about the referee’s decision to show the red card,” he continued.

Reactions and accusations of tampering with the tournament

The U.S. president’s intervention sparked strong reactions, with many citing it as a blow to the tournament’s integrity.

According to reports from the U.S., Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and the head of the White House task force, Andrew Giuliani, formed a legal team to challenge the initial decision.

The decision also sparked outrage in Belgium, with the Belgian federation considering legal action and an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Belgian Football Federation said it was “surprised” and noted that it is exploring all available means to protect the principles of fair play.

Belgium’s national team coach, Rudi Garcia, said, “I
didn’t know that July 5 is now April Fools’ Day at the World Cup.”

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called the decision a “surprise,” adding that the players remain focused on the match.

FIFA’s Position

The Belgian Football Association argued that the decision contradicts the tournament’s regulations, which provide for automatic punishment in the event of a red card.

In a previous statement, FIFA noted that, according to Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, the execution of the penalty may be suspended for a one-year probationary period.

Source: iefimerida.gr