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Trump calls FIFA referee 'very suspect' over Balogun red card in Team USA World Cup match

President Donald Trump has labelled the referee who sent off US striker Folarin Balogun against Bosnia-Herzegovina 'very suspect', revealing he raised the contentious red card decision directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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Trump calls FIFA referee 'very suspect' over Balogun red card in Team USA World Cup match
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President Donald Trump has publicly attacked the FIFA referee who dismissed US striker Folarin Balogun during Team USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, describing the official as “very suspect” as controversy over the suspended red card decision continues to grow.

Trump confirmed he spoke directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the call, signalling the level of political attention the incident has attracted in the United States. Balogun was shown a red card during the fixture, though the suspension attached to the dismissal has since been the subject of ongoing dispute.

The intervention marks an unusual moment of presidential involvement in a refereeing controversy, with Trump making clear his view that the decision against the US striker was unjust. The match against Bosnia-Herzegovina was part of the United States’ preparations ahead of hosting the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

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