Trump: ‘ I didn't know what a red card meant’

The entire football world has been appalled by the decision to rescind Folarin Balogun's red card from the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, following his challenge on Tarik Muharemović. FIFA is attempting to sweep the controversy under the rug by citing technical regulations, but the underlying issue remains the same—they have been caught in the act, and a stain has been cast over the World Cup. Many football legends have criticized what they describe as an "agreement" between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump, and the United States national team, once admired by many for its entertaining style of play, has become one of the tournament's most unpopular sides almost overnight. Had FIFA simply followed its own rules, the Americans would likely have enjoyed neutral support in their upcoming clash with Belgium. Instead, much of the football world will now be cheering against them.

Trump call, FIFA U-turn, and global outrage: Balogun red card reversal sparks World Cup scandal

To make matters worse, some people would probably be better off staying away from football discussions altogether—especially Donald Trump. Nevertheless, the U.S. president decided to share his thoughts with reporters at the White House regarding the "Balogun case."

"I saw the Balogun incident. I love sports, I was a good athlete, and I understand sports very well. It wasn't a foul. It wasn't even a foul. Those were two elite athletes running at full speed who simply collided. In a situation like that, you can't precisely control every movement of your leg. They got tangled up with each other, and that's all there was to it."

Crazy life story of American hero of Nigerian descent: How did Balogun end up playing for USA?

But he didn't stop there. Trump also took aim at referee Rafael Claus, who had sent Balogun off.

"The referee, if you look at his history, is a little suspicious. I don't want to create controversy, but his past is questionable. If you want, I can show you the information. He made a decision that nobody could believe. Even the opposing fans were saying they got lucky”.

Trump then commented on slow-motion replays, claiming he was surprised by what he had learned.

"I also found it interesting that I was told certain situations aren't supposed to be viewed in slow motion. I'd never heard that before. When you slow footage down, every fraction of a second looks different. You might see someone's hand touch another player's neck or face, but at full speed it's obvious the players simply collided. Balogun did nothing wrong. He's our best player—or one of our best players. He's extremely important to the team, and he was given a red card".

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He concluded by revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of football's disciplinary rules.

"Honestly, I didn't even know what a red card meant. When they explained that it meant he couldn't play in the next match, I said, 'That's a huge punishment'. You can punish him during that game, but how can you punish him in advance for the next one? That's why I asked FIFA to review the decision. I spoke to a very respected man, whose reputation is even greater today than it was before" He finished by saying that he believes the decision should never have stood.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 16

Saturday

Canada - Morocco 0-3 (0-0)

/Ounahi 50, 82, Rahimi 90+8/

Sunday

France - Paraguay 1-0 (0-0)

/Mbappe 70 pen/

Brazil - Norway 1-2 (0-0)

/Neymar 90+10 pen - Haaland 79, 90/

Monday

Mexico - England 2-3 (1-2)

/Quinones 42, Jimenez 69 pen - Bellingham 36,38, Kane 60 pen/

22.00: (3.80) Portugal (3.45) Spain (2.00)

Tuesday

03.00: (2.70) USA (3.40) Belgium (2.65)

19.00: (1.37) Argentina (4.70) Egypt (9.00)

23.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.25) Colombia (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***