Trump's Pressure on FIFA Raises Questions About Tournament Governance

President Trump told reporters he lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card suspension before it was lifted on July 5. While Trump called it a "review request," The Guardian reported he "repeatedly lobbied" for its removal. Infantino denies influencing the decision. The incident exposes vulnerabilities in FIFA's independence—particularly significant since the organization co-hosts the tournament on U.S. soil.