Manchester United legend Roy Keane could not believe his ears as President Donald Trump explained the infamous phone call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The US Commander in Chief inserted himself into the World Cup by urging football's governing body to review the red card of USA forward Folarin Balogun.
Balogun's Suspension Lifted After Trump's Intervention
The Monaco striker was controversially dismissed for a studs-up challenge in the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to miss the World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium through suspension. However, after Trump had a phone call with Infantino, FIFA suspended the ban for a probationary period of one year, allowing Balogun to compete in Seattle.
This has been one of the most controversial stories of the entire competition due to the White House's intervention. Trump opened up about the phone call, enraging the Belgian national team and many others in football.
Keane's Reaction: 'Is This Real?'
On The Overlap, Gary Neville read out Trump's key quotes from his bizarre press conference. Trump said: 'All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, "You have to do this." [I] didn't think it was a foul.'
A flabbergasted Keane leaned forward and asked, 'Is this real?' before leaning back in shock and saying, 'I can't believe it,' as Neville confirmed those were, indeed, Trump's genuine quotes. Keane is not the only one left shocked and bemused by the saga.
Widespread Criticism from Football Figures
The Belgian FA were among the first to express anger over the decision, while England boss Thomas Tuchel and Norway manager Stale Solbakken hit out at FIFA. Neville also spoke out, suggesting the USA should choose not to deploy Balogun.
Speaking after Trump's press conference, Neville said: 'I have never seen or heard anything like that in my life. FIFA, to be honest with you, they've got a real problem. This is not going to go away. This is Donald Trump, the President of the United States, the guardian of free speech, the ruler of the free world, and this is basically interference at the highest level. He's admitted it, he's contacted them and asked them to admit it. This is interference, with power, at the highest level into football and into a World Cup.'
Infantino's Defense and Balogun's Fine
Infantino admitted to having the conversation but insisted he had no role in the decision being overturned. He stated that an independent disciplinary body decided Balogun's suspension could be suspended for a year, allowing him to play against Belgium. The ex-Arsenal forward was fined just under £30,000 for the red card, but this provided little relief to Belgium.
