Balogun Reflects on Trump’s Role in FIFA Red Card Reversal, Says It Added to US Pressure

Folarin Balogun has acknowledged that President Donald Trump’s involvement in the reversal of his World Cup red card generated unnecessary controversy and piled pressure on the United States squad.

The striker told CBS that he was “definitely in shock” after being sent off for stepping on a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender during the Americans’ 2-0 group-stage victory.

Maintaining that the dismissal was harsh, Balogun said, “When something is not intentional it should never be a red card.”

Before the US faced Belgium in the Round of 16, FIFA suspended the red card, allowing the 25-year-old to feature in the knockout tie.

Trump later confirmed that he had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the disciplinary decision.

However, the United States crashed out of the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Belgium, with Balogun unable to influence the outcome.

“It was just an unfortunate situation and it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed,” Balogun said.

“My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team but when I kind of started to reflect on it, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy.”

He also noted the effect the episode had on the squad, saying: “I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it’s something that’s so unique.

“The closer it got to the game I just tried to focus as best as I could. It was difficult, a lot of outside noise, and that’s hard to avoid.”

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