Ted Cruz thanked Donald Trump for 'getting rid of that ridiculous red card' during a World Cup match, referring to the controversial sending off of US striker Folarin Balogun. The red card was issued by referee Raphael Claus after a video review, but FIFA later lifted Balogun's one-match ban, making him available for the USA's match against Belgium on Monday.
FIFA's Disciplinary Code Prevents Appeals
Despite the move being considered excessively harsh, FIFA's disciplinary code does not permit appeals against straight red cards. Officials from the world governing body and US Soccer confirmed after the game that the sanction could not be challenged.
Trump admitted in an Oval Office appearance that he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to urge a review of the red card. 'I said I think it should be reviewed, because I watched the play, and he [Balogun] didn't do anything wrong,' Trump told reporters.
Trump Calls for Fair Play
The US president continued to refute the decision that Balogun fouled Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, insisting that soccer officials must let the US team 'use their best players'.
'The game tonight is going to be amazing, and we're going to have a full team, and Belgium is going to have a full team,' Trump added. 'If they [Belgium] beat us, then they can be really proud. The other way, if they beat us … I say it was rigged, just like the election was rigged in 2020, but I won't get into that.'
