A heavy blow to FIFA! Ex-France international claims World Cup is 'run by Trump'
Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun has sparked another explosive reaction: former PSG midfielder Jérôme Rothen has accused FIFA of bowing down to Donald Trump.
Details: Rothen stated that Balogun’s red card in the USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was not a mistake, and described the decision to suspend the ban as baffling.
Balogun was sent off after a VAR review in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The forward caught Tarik Muharemović on the ankle, earning a straight red card for his challenge.
Later, the American international’s one-match suspension was put on hold, with a one-year probation period. As a result, Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Rothen’s reaction was sharp and uncompromising. According to him, what happens on the pitch is “sacred,” and such decisions should not be swayed by outside pressure.
“This World Cup isn’t run by FIFA, but by Trump, and FIFA is laying down for him,” the former footballer declared.
Reminder: Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he spoke with Gianni Infantino about the Balogun case.
