FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement addressing his interactions with President Donald Trump amid the controversy surrounding USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s suspended one-game ban.

Background

Balogun was given a red card after a VAR review, but FIFA decided to suspend the one-game ban. Trump told reporters he asked Infantino to review the play, stating he didn’t think it was a foul.

Infantino explained that FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent and operate autonomously, applying the FIFA Disciplinary Code and deciding cases based on applicable regulations and specific facts. He emphasized that he respects the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and the autonomy of the bodies that make them.

Trump’s Comments

Trump addressed the controversy, stating that he asked for a review because he didn’t think the play was a foul. He believes that if the ban had been upheld, it would have had a negative impact on the game and the team.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.