Donald Trump has defended speaking directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the controversial red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, describing the original decision as a “horrible call”.
Speaking at the White House, the US president said he had asked FIFA to review the incident after learning the red card could keep Balogun out of the USA’s World Cup clash with Belgium.
Trump said he “spoke to Johnny” Infantino, insisted he did not tell the FIFA boss what to do and argued the referee was “very suspect” after looking into his past.
Trump also admitted he initially did not know the consequences of a red card, before questioning why a player should be punished in a future match.
He praised FIFA’s handling of the review and said the World Cup should feature the best players on the pitch as the USA prepare to face Belgium.
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