The New York Times, citing three sources, revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on July 1, demanding a review of the red card suspension of U.S. team top scorer Folarin Balogun in the World Cup round of 32. FIFA announced a disciplinary ruling on July 5, deferring the suspension for one year, allowing Balogun to play in the July 7 match against Belgium.
Red Card Incident and Suspension Reason: Balogun Red-Carded for Stepping on Opponent's Foot
In the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match where the U.S. beat Bosnia 2-0, Folarin Balogun received a direct red card for stepping on a Bosnian player's foot, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.
Balogun is the U.S. team's top scorer in this World Cup so far. If the suspension took effect, he would miss the U.S. team's next group stage match, directly weakening the U.S. attacking firepower.
FIFA Ruling: Article 27 Suspension Clause and First Exemption Since 1962
According to FIFA's official disciplinary ruling on July 5, the decision was executed based on three articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code:
Articles 14 and 66: Formally impose a one-match suspension on Balogun as a disciplinary measure.
Article 27 "Suspension" Clause: Defer the above suspension for a period of one year.
Immediate Effect: Balogun is eligible to play in the World Cup match against Belgium on Monday (July 7).
This is the first time since 1962 that FIFA has activated a deferred enforcement mechanism to allow a player who would have been suspended to continue playing, marking an unprecedented discretionary decision in this World Cup.
Trump's Phone Diplomacy: Three Sources Reveal July 1 Call Content to The New York Times
According to three sources speaking to The New York Times, Trump directly called FIFA President Infantino on July 1, 2026, demanding a review of Balogun's red card suspension ruling. This is the most representative case of Trump using personal connections to intervene in tournament matters during this World Cup; previously, he also met with multiple national leaders during the NATO summit and discussed scheduling.
Trump welcomed FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to play on social media, but did not mention his personal call to Infantino in his statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Trump influence FIFA's handling of Balogun's red card suspension?
According to three sources speaking to The New York Times, Trump directly called FIFA President Infantino on July 1, demanding a review of the suspension ruling; FIFA subsequently invoked Article 27's deferred enforcement clause on July 5 to suspend the ban. Trump personally welcomed the decision on social media but did not publicly acknowledge the call; FIFA's specific decision-making basis is based on the official ruling document.
How rare is the application of FIFA's Article 27 "deferred enforcement" clause in history?
According to reports, this is the first time since 1962 (i.e., 64 years) that FIFA has activated a deferred enforcement mechanism, allowing a player who would have been suspended to continue playing. FIFA simultaneously maintained Balogun's formal disciplinary record of a one-match suspension under Articles 14 and 66, with a deferral period of one year.
After Balogun's exemption, what is the U.S. team's schedule in the World Cup?
According to FIFA's ruling, Balogun is eligible to play in the U.S. team's World Cup match against Belgium on Monday (July 7); Polymarket's World Cup champion prediction market has seen cumulative trading volume exceed $3.9 billion, with France's championship probability at 35.1% and Argentina at 16.8%; the U.S. team's specific championship probability numbers are based on Polymarket's real-time market data.
