Trump defends call that helped overturn Balogun suspension

President Trump on Monday “defended making a phone call” to FIFA President Gianni Infantino which “led to the soccer association overturning" a one-game World Cup suspension of USMNT F Folarin Balogun, according to Dan Mangan of CNBC.com. Trump said, “I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. I didn’t know what the hell a red card was.” Trump said he did not tell Infantino “what to do,” adding he does not believe Infantino “made the decision.” He added if Balogun’s suspension had been upheld, the game against Belgium “would have a big mark on it, if we lost or if we won” (CNBC.com, 7/6).

FOLLOWED THE RULES: Infantino on Monday released a statement in response to criticism that read in part, “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected. Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold” (X, 7/6).

SEEKING EXPLANATION: THE ATHLETIC’s Adam Crafton notes Belgium have “challenged the eligibility” of Balogun after FIFA decided to suspend his one-game ban, less than 24 hours out from the team’s World Cup round-of-16 game against the U.S. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed it had “no alternative but to challenge (Balogun’s) eligibility for the upcoming match.” The RBFA said that it had “learned of the change in Balogun’s circumstances through media reports and written to FIFA to request a full explanation of ‘the process’ and ‘applicable regulations’” (THE ATHLETIC, 7/6).

WEIGHING NEXT STEPS: Fox’s Alexi Lalas on “Fox & Friends” said, “Belgium wants to lawyer up against the United States, go for it.” He said what happened here is “America stood up for itself. The powers that be when it comes to the United States Soccer Federation did what they needed to do within the rules and regulations that exist in order to give us cells the best possible chance of being successful.” Lalas: “Belgium, I think fairly and not unexpectedly, is not happy about this and they certainly can do whatever they feel is appropriate in order to try to change this. And who knows, maybe at the 11th hour before we kick off tonight, things change” (“Fox & Friends,” Fox, 7/6).

TICKETS FOR TRUMP: POLITICO’s Barnes & Cai wrote Trump received 10 tickets to the World Cup final, during which he will present the trophy with Infantino, from the FIFA president, “raising anticipation around the White House for a much-coveted invitation” to the July 19 match. Sources said that they expect the seats to “go to family members and a handful of West Wing aides” (POLITICO, 7/3).