Press comments on the FIFA decision: “He played the Trump card”

USA

New York Times: “President Donald Trump has been an elusive figure during this World Cup. Or at least he was until the middle of last week, when he picked up the phone to call Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, and ask for a review of the one-match suspension imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun after he fouled Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the co-hosts’ 2-0 win in the round of 16 Herzegovina had received a red card.”

New York Post: “He played the Trump card! President Trump asked the FIFA President to review the suspension of the shooting star of the US national team after a red card – even before the association surprisingly announced that he would be allowed to play in the decisive game against Belgium on Monday.”

CNN: “Fifa stunned the football world by allowing American Folarin Balogun to play on Monday. Trump’s role is now the focus of attention.”

Belgium

The Latest News: “Outrage at the World Cup. FIFA has lifted Folarin Balogun’s ban, so that the US striker can now play against the Red Devils. Remarkable: A few days before this decision, US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. According to several sources, including the New York Times“He urged that the ban be revised.”

Newspaper: “Rudi Garcia didn’t expect that. Team USA can rely on top scorer Folarin Balogun against Belgium. Wait, wasn’t the striker suspended? Not anymore – possibly thanks to a call from… Donald Trump.”

England

Guardian: “Trump lobbied FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun’s ban for the World Cup game against Belgium. The surprise move to clear the US striker of eligibility came after the American president contacted the world governing body to push for the change.”

Telegraph: “Trump’s call to Fifa helps lift Balogun’s ban. The striker is allowed to play in the last-16 tie after Fifa lifted his ban for a red card – prompting ‘stunned’ Belgium to consider legal action.”

France

The Parisian: “Could Folarin Balogun ever imagine that he would be at the center of a call from Donald Trump? Probably not.”

Italy

La Gazetta dello Sport: “After the announcement, the controversy, the statements and even Trump’s thanks, only one question remains: was it really necessary? Fifa’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s suspension and thereby allow the US national team striker to play against Belgium tonight goes beyond all logic and, above all, justice and respect for the rules.”

Spain

Mark: “Unusual measure: FIFA revokes Balogun’s red card – and Trump thanks him for it!”

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