President Trump responded on Monday to the backlash he and the U.S. are receiving following FIFA's decision to suspend the red card issued to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun.
FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's red card was being suspended, as he'll be eligible to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium. Much of the World Cup's participants, especially Belgium, are furious with the ruling.
President Trump reportedly made a call to FIFA, urging them to review the decision. Some believe that President Trump used too much political influence. Others are going as far to say that the U.S. should be "banned" from hosting future World Cups.
FIFA, though, is standing by its decision, saying: "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one [1] year."
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President Trump addressed the media on Monday morning, making it clear that he didn't demand anything.
The President of the United States says he simply called the head of FIFA to ask for a review.
President Trump explains what happened
"All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, you have to do this," Trump said at a White House media briefing on Monday morning. "This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He's a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field."
"I didn't think it was a foul," he said. "I thought it was two great athletes that crashed each other and got entangled."
President Trump says that he "loves" sports and couldn't believe that a foul was called and that Balogun was going to miss Monday's match.
"I saw the play, and I'm a person that loves sports ... that wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction ... this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe ... he's our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn't know what that meant ... yes, I asked for a review by FIFA. [Balogun] didn't do anything wrong, and he's our best player or one of our best players."
Kickoff on Monday night is set for 8 p.m. E.T.
The game will air on FOX.
