World Cup: Klopp blasts Trump, FIFA over Balogun row

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card ban after reports linked the ruling to an intervention by United States President Donald Trump.

Balogun was expected to miss Monday’s Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium after receiving a straight red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

FIFA, however, suspended the ban for one year on Sunday, clearing the striker to play.

Sources told AFP that Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of Balogun’s punishment.

Klopp, who is set to become Germany manager following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, said the decision raised serious questions about the game’s integrity.

“It’s a red card, even if it’s a shame because Balogun can’t play, but it’s there in the rules,” Klopp said.

“This is our game, not theirs. If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that’s crazy. It calls everything into question,” he added.

Klopp also criticised both men directly, saying they should not be influencing football decisions.

“These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn’t have anything to do with it,” he said.

Balogun was sent off after a VAR review showed him stepping on the foot of a Bosnia defender during USA’s 2-0 win.

FIFA regulations state that a red card automatically triggers a one-match ban which cannot be appealed.

But FIFA relied on a provision in its statutes that allows the body to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.

The same rule was earlier used to reduce Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-game suspension before the tournament, allowing him to play in Portugal’s opening matches.

German FA president Bernd Neuendorf has also demanded an explanation from FIFA over the Balogun decision.

He said FIFA must quickly address reports that the decision followed a phone call between Trump and Infantino.

“The impression that there was active political interference in the sport must be swiftly and conclusively dispelled,” Neuendorf said.

“It is a matter of the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA.”

Trump later praised FIFA’s decision on Truth Social, thanking the body for “reversing a great injustice.”