‘Shameful’ — Angry Reactions as FIFA President Faces Corruption Claims Over American-born Nigerian World Cup star Folarin Balogun
The FIFA president has come under intense scrutiny after reports revealed the White House contacted football’s governing body over Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card before the striker’s suspension was lifted, with President Donald Trump later publicly praising the decision.
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2026 FIFA World Cup: Infantino FIFA President || Imago
Donald Trump responds to FIFA suspending the red card suspension of USMNT striker Falorin Balogun.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” pic.twitter.com/Ik5ZIHj3W2
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 5, 2026
FIFA president Infantino and U.S president Donald Trump | Getty
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FIFA president Infantino and U.S president Donald Trump | Getty
Donald Trump responds to FIFA suspending the red card suspension of USMNT striker Falorin Balogun.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” pic.twitter.com/Ik5ZIHj3W2
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 5, 2026
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USMNT star Folarin Balogun | IMAGO
This should result in Infantino’s resignation. Any integrity he had is long gone, but this is shameful, even by his low standards https://t.co/QK1NSMEM8z
— Ben Sully (@SullyBen) July 5, 2026
FIFA is a greedy and corrupt organisation.
There is no red card appeals process.
FIFA Disciplinary Code (Article 66.4): A sending-off automatically suspends the player for the next match. FIFA judicial bodies can add further sanctions but do not allow teams to appeal the… https://t.co/ciBASx3Oc0
— Ben Leo (@Benleo) July 5, 2026
Didn’t think it was possible to replace Sepp Blatter with someone more corrupt, but with Gianni Infantino, FIFA might have actually managed it.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) July 5, 2026
FIFA is corrupt. First, they disallowed Croatia’s legit goal that could have tied 2-2 with Portugal.
Now they reversed Balogun’s red card since Trump called because he plays for USA. pic.twitter.com/KULcIzP6xK
— SOCCER DADDY 💙❤️ (@SoccerdaddyX) July 5, 2026
Not even trying to hide your corruption now @FIFAcom. I would say Infantino must go, but you’d only replace him with someone as corrupt. You should be disbanded. https://t.co/egHKxhVeqw
— Ian 🔰 (@Ian_M1) July 5, 2026
Trump’s conflict of interest here is massive and blatant, and his suspiciously close relationship with Infantino makes the whole thing reek of corruption. Something is seriously rotten https://t.co/aNFjPhMQck https://t.co/5WavqUvAmh pic.twitter.com/NMtd6WjaPZ
— CharlieKirk- ChrisisKING (@ChristisKIng925) July 5, 2026
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USMNT World Cup star Folarin Balogun | IMAGO