Gianni Infantino guaranteed Donald Trump that he would look into United States star Folarin Balogun's expected ban during the World Cup. The US President revealed that he contacted the FIFA president in a bid to resolve the situation.
Balogun's Red Card and Suspension
Balogun was sent off in the United States clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but was allowed to feature in the nation's next match against Belgium when the authorities chose not to ban him and instead offered him a suspended punishment and a fine.
Infantino had already contacted FIFA’s chief legal and compliance officer, Emilio García Silvero, when he offered his guarantee to Trump, per talkSPORT. It is said to have been made clear to Silvero that reviewing Balogun's red should be a high priority. Opening a disciplinary panel was soon permitted, and from there Infantino stepped back to allow the process to run its course. However, it has not been made clear that the review was deemed to be allowed.
Trump's Role and Relationship with Infantino
For his part, Trump has bragged about his role, and enjoys a close relationship with Infantino which included frequent contact during the tournament. “I was forced to call Gianni and just make a recommendation,” said Trump at a fan event, with Infantino alongside him. “I said ‘Gianni, let the guy in the game!’ No, I didn’t say that [laughter]. I said, ‘Gianni, I’d like to wage a complaint’. And I had no idea what was going to happen. But it was so much better the way it worked out because there’s no controversy. They [Belgium] won the game, and our team had all its players… Gianni made yet another of his many good decisions.”
The United States were ultimately knocked out by Belgium anyway, and the result escaped the Pandora's box that would have been opened had the Red Devils been knocked out.
Infantino's Praise for the World Cup
Despite such controversy, Infantino was full of praise for the World Cup in the final days of the tournament. “This is the greatest human, social and cultural event mankind has ever witnessed,” Infantino said. “For this, I thank you. One country will be world champion, but the world has already won, America has won, FIFA has won.”
Trump has reportedly given Infantino his backing to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. The Apprentice star is said to believe that the Italian would be perfectly suited to the role.
