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EN DIRECT - Coupe du monde 2026 : «Où va la Fifa», «Une ligne rouge a été franchie»... l’affaire Balogun suscite
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun was overturned after US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA President
Key takeaways
- Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino to contest Folarin Balogun's red card.
- Trump stated the collision between Balogun and the Belgian player was not a foul and did not warrant a red card.
- Trump described the referee as "suspect" due to his past.
- FIFA suspended Balogun's red card sanction after Trump's intervention.
- The decision to overturn the red card was made by a committee, not a single person.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun was overturned after US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump publicly stated the collision did not warrant a red card, called the referee "suspect," and claimed his call to Infantino led to a committee reviewing and suspending the sanction. FIFA confirmed Trump's call but framed it as a routine discussion on ethics and fairness. The decision sparked global outrage: former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, UEFA officials, national coaches (Norway, Germany), and players (Wayne Rooney, Jürgen Klopp) condemned the move as a breach of sporting integrity, political interference, and a threat to FIFA's credibility. Separately, England vice-captain Jordan Henderson suffered a serious injury celebrating England's 3-2 win over Mexico, and Brazil's Neymar hinted at retiring from international football after Brazil's 1-2 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
FIFA's credibility and sport's autonomy at stake after political intervention overturns a red card
In their words
“Ce n’était même pas une infraction. C’était deux joueurs qui couraient à pleine vitesse et qui se sont percutés. On ne peut pas, en courant, placer son pied de manière parfaitement contrôlée sur celui de quelqu’un d’autre, non.”
“Ils peuvent retirer le carton rouge, ce qui était probablement la bonne décision. Mais le suspendre pour un an (de sursis), je pense que c’est une honte absolue et (Gianni) Infantino, il devrait avoir honte car je pense que l’esprit sportif est remis en cause ici.”
“Ces deux personnes, qui ne connaissent rien au foot, ne devraient pas s’en mêler. C’était un carton rouge. Il n’y a pas à discuter.”
By the numbers
- 34
- Neymar's age at retirement
- 2002
- Last year Brazil won the World Cup
- 1990
- Last time Brazil exited in Round of 16
How it unfolded
- Neymar debuts for Brazil
- Balogun red card overturned
- Brazil eliminated from World Cup
- Neymar announces international retirement
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Common questions
- What happened with Folarin Balogun?
- Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino to contest Folarin Balogun's red card.
- Where can I read the original report?
- Read the full report at Lefigaro Sport.
