‘A person who has relationships with the Trump family’: Probe peels back another layer on the ‘corruption’ behind Donald Trump’s World Cup move
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump intervened in FIFA's decision to suspend USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, leading to the lifting of his mandatory one-game ban for a red card during the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
- FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code to overturn the suspension, but the decision was made unilaterally by FIFA disciplinary chairman Mohammad Al Kamali, without consulting the full committee.
- Reports revealed Al Kamali has business and personal ties to the Trump family, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and potential corruption in FIFA's disciplinary process.
- The controversy has sparked widespread criticism from fans and commentators, who accuse Trump and FIFA of undermining the integrity of international soccer and call for accountability within FIFA leadership.
- Despite Balogun's reinstatement, the USMNT suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, intensifying scrutiny over the decision and creating a public relations crisis for both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump.
