Jurgen Klopp has branded claims that Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino before FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's ban as 'crazy'. The United States president reportedly spoke with his counterpart before the decision not to automatically enforce a one-match ban.
Balogun's Ban Suspended
Balogun is now able to play for the US in their round-of-16 tie against Belgium following an almost unprecedented move by football's governing body. The only similar example in World Cup history saw Brazil's Garrincha have his ban rescinded before the 1962 final.
64 years later, Klopp has called out the move. The former Liverpool manager is working as a pundit in North America.
Klopp's Reaction
He had the claims about Trump calling Infantino put to him on Magenta TV. In response, Klopp said: 'If that really was the case, then that's crazy. 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's Decision
FIFA confirmed the decision on Sunday. Their Disciplinary Committee said in a statement: 'By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.'
'If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.'
Article 27 of FIFA's disciplinary code reads: 'The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.'
'If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.'
Trump's Response
Trump responded to the U-Turn on Truth Social. He said: 'Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!'
