ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright have condemned US President Donald Trump's intervention with FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card, describing it as 'embarrassing' for the USA team. The AS Monaco striker saw his red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina overruled and suspended for 12 months after a phone call between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump, allowing Balogun to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. However, the USA were eliminated 4-1, and the controversy has drawn widespread criticism.
Wright: 'It's Embarrassed Them'
Ian Wright expressed his dismay at the situation, saying: 'It’s embarrassed them. I feel sorry for that American supporter who loves the game, for their President to embarrass them. I’m gutted for them.' The former Arsenal striker highlighted the negative impact on genuine US football fans.
Neville: Intervention Unnecessary
Gary Neville argued that Trump's involvement was unnecessary and likely unwelcome in the USA dressing room. He said: 'They grabbed defeat from victory because they had so much neutral love. They put in a good performance from the very beginning and when you look at those American footballers, they’re Americans with morals, that pre-match situation they won’t have enjoyed that. Football players don’t like an advantage of any kind, the intervention from the President to FIFA, they would have hated that, it’s put them under unnecessary pressure.'
Keane: Distraction Proved Costly
Roy Keane agreed that the controversy was a distraction, stating: 'I think so (distracted by controversy), I certainly don’t think it helped them from that point of view because what they have had in this tournament, it is energy. It would’ve motivated Belgium no doubt, because it was harsh, they never turned up or got going and Belgium got momentum going into the game, the manager made some big decisions. Then self destruct for the USA, tough old day.'
Belgium Mock Trump After Victory
Belgium capitalized on the controversy, mocking Trump and the USA team during their celebrations. The Belgian social media account posted a dig urging FIFA to 'overturn' their win, and players re-enacted Trump's famous YMCA dance in the dressing room. Belgium now face Spain in the quarter-finals.
RBFA to Pursue FIFA Matter
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed they will continue to pursue the matter with FIFA regarding the decision to waive Balogun's suspension. In a statement, the RBFA said: 'The RBFA remains committed to advocating for a review of the current FIFA regulations and their application... The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully upholds the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play.' They added that they feel supported by millions of football fans worldwide and other member associations.
The USA's World Cup journey ended in disappointment, with many believing the off-field drama contributed to their downfall. The controversy has sparked debate about political interference in sport and the integrity of FIFA's disciplinary processes.
