Klopp brands Trump-Infantino intervention over Balogun ban reversal 'crazy'

Jurgen Klopp has called it “crazy” that Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the governing body overturned Folarin Balogun’s automatic red-card suspension, clearing the USA forward to play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.

Speaking as a pundit on Magenta TV, the former Liverpool manager did not hold back when the claims about Trump’s involvement were put to him. “If that really was the case, then that’s crazy,” Klopp said. “Let’s just say: this is our game, not theirs. These two people, who both have no idea about football, should have nothing to do with that. That was a red card, there’s no two ways about it. We’re sorry for Balogun because he didn’t mean to do it, but that’s what the rules say.”

FIFA confirmed the decision on Sunday, with its Disciplinary Committee citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The committee ruled that “the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” Under the same article, if Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature during that period, the original suspension will be enforced alongside any additional sanction.

The move is almost without precedent in World Cup history. The only comparable case came 64 years ago, when Brazil’s Garrincha had his ban rescinded ahead of the 1962 final.

Trump responded to the reversal on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

The episode has drawn widespread attention to the potential for political pressure to influence FIFA disciplinary proceedings, with Klopp’s comments reflecting a broader unease about the integrity of the process. Balogun’s availability gives the United States a significant boost as they prepare for one of the most high-profile knockout ties of the tournament.