Could President Trump get involved in the World Cup's rules fiasco following the U.S. win over Bosnia on Wednesday night?
The U.S. topped Bosnia, 2-0. However, the Americans lost top striker Flo Balogun in the process. Balogun was hit with a red card early in the second half. He missed the remainder of the game and will miss the Round of 16 game against Belgium, too.
Per FIFA's World Cup rules, the Americans are unable to appeal the red card. Losing Balogun is a massive blow to America's chances of advancing into the Round of 8 next week.
But perhaps President Trump could get involved...
© Danny Wild-Imagn Images
In the wake of the controversial red card, President Trump is being "urged" to get involved, given that the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup is primarily taking place in the United States of America.
"President Trump announcing he’s overruling the awful FIFA official’s call and pardoning Balogun for his red card under his presidential pardon powers to allow him to play against Belgium would break the Internet," Clay Travis of Fox News wrote.
"I’ve spent too much time as a college football fan — where judges decide everything now — but I’m already thinking how the courts would handle this. Given US is expending tons of taxpayer dollars does US have a property interest in a top athlete playing? Does Balogun? Can he appeal FIFA’s ruling and get a Sorsby like judge ruling? Where is venue? Does FIFA appeal rocket to circuits and then Supreme Court?"
Soccer fans debating what can be done
Soccer fans are somewhat joking, somewhat serious about President Trump getting invovled.
"Not trying to be political here. Just spitballing. Maybe Trump could use the type of diplomacy that landed him that coveted FIFA Peace Prize to get Folarin Balogun’s red card rescinded," one fan wrote.
"Trump needs to make a call to FIFA…" one fan added.
"Is it time to test President Trump's relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino? Time to make the call and right the wrong? It would be unprecedented, and our federation can't officially appeal the red card, but Balogun should absolutely play next round. We all know that red card was nonsense of the highest order. All in favor of doing what we have to do to make Balogun play next round, say I! FIFA is long corrupt anyway..." one fan added.
It could be an interesting couple of days, that's for sure.
