New Delhi: Donald Trump has defended his involvement in the controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun’s red card, saying he only requested a review of the incident and never tried to influence FIFA’s final decision.

The US President said he believed Balogun’s challenge did not deserve a red card and therefore asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to have the decision looked at again. FIFA later overturned the automatic suspension, making the striker available for the USA’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump criticised the referee’s decision and insisted his role was limited to seeking a review. “All I did, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said. He later thanked FIFA on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The debate began after Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. He received a red card for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic, who required treatment after the incident.

Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later used Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to suspend the ban under a one-year probationary period instead of enforcing it immediately.

That decision cleared Balogun to play against Belgium where his availability became a major talking point before the knockout match.

The ruling has sparked strong reactions particularly from Belgium with the Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by FIFA’s decision and argued that the tournament’s rules clearly require an automatic suspension after a red card.

Belgian officials questioned the consistency of the disciplinary process and said they were reviewing the situation before deciding on any further action. The case has also raised wider questions about how exceptional disciplinary provisions should be applied during major international tournaments.

For the United States, the decision was a significant boost with Balogun remaining available after scoring three goals during the tournament. The episode has also led to greater scrutiny of FIFA’s disciplinary procedures and the role of outside figures in football governance.

While Trump maintains he only asked for a review and did not tell FIFA what decision to make, the controversy has kept the governing body’s handling of the case firmly in the spotlight as the World Cup moves deeper into the knockout stage.