The irony of Trump’s scheme to protect a US World Cup star from the rules

July 7, 2026 — 12:00pm

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Donald Trump lifted the lid on how power works – at least in his America, and the world of FIFA - in his candid account of calling Gianni Infantino to “request” a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card.

It is hardly a shock. This is Trump’s America. And this is FIFA – the same organisation that created the ridiculous “FIFA Peace Prize” last year to further stroke the US president’s ego. Still, sometimes it’s a shock to see it executed so blatantly, and with such little attempt to hide it.

Sure, maybe Trump didn’t directly order Infantino to overturn Balogun’s suspension. “I can’t tell him what to do,” he said. He was at least vaguely aware of the impropriety of the whole affair.

But when the President of the United States – the host for the rest of the World Cup – rings you up and makes it clear what he wants, he doesn’t need to say it twice. Especially when it’s Infantino on the other end of the line.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee says it independently decided to suspend the implementation of Balogun’s one-match suspension, using its powers under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.

Even if that’s true, the phone call – and Trump’s account of it – makes it nearly........

© Brisbane Times