Piers Morgan has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump after the US president intervened in the 2026 World Cup, prompting FIFA to overturn a red card suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun. Morgan, a former 'Good Morning Britain' host, took to social media to call out his "loyal friend" with a sharp four-word jab: "So wrong, Mr President."
Trump's Intervention Sparks Controversy
The controversy began when Balogun was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the group stage, which carried an automatic one-match ban. The 25-year-old was set to miss the last-16 tie against Belgium. However, after Trump personally asked FIFA to review the decision, the governing body suspended the ban for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play. This marked the first time since 1962 that a red card in a World Cup match did not result in a suspension.
During a Monday press conference at the White House, Trump defended his actions, stating: "The people in Belgium, if they win the game, they can be very proud. If they would win the game with the player missing, it would be a different feeling. You can’t do that. And I’m very glad. All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, 'You have to do this.'" He also praised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling him "a smart, tough man."
Outrage From Football Figures and Politicians
The decision sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Trump of undermining the integrity of the tournament. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp led the backlash, saying: "This is our sport, not theirs. If Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino really sorted this out between themselves, it is madness; it calls everything into question." Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein added that the situation is "absolutely wrong, awful. It hits at one of the beauties of football, the worldwide application across the world of regulations and rules."
Political figures also weighed in. Labour MP Clive Betts, chair of the all-party parliamentary group for football, said: "The first thing they’ve got to do is explain their decision, and if it literally was just a phone call from Trump, then I’m sorry, but I think he has to resign or Fifa has to sack him if he won’t." Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called for Infantino to resign, stating: "No matter where it’s held, the World Cup belongs to the fans, not gangsters like Trump."
USA's Defeat and Fallout
Despite the controversy, the USA lost the match 4-1 to Belgium, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also finding the net. The defeat ended the USA's World Cup campaign. Following the match, calls for Infantino's resignation grew louder, with many arguing that the decision set a dangerous precedent for political interference in sports.
