Jürgen Klopp has launched a fierce attack on Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino after FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun’s suspension, allowing the United States forward to face Belgium in the World Cup last 16.
The former Liverpool manager, working as a television pundit for MagentaTV, reacted angrily to suggestions that political influence may have played a part in the decision. “This is our game, not theirs,” Klopp stated, according to DPA. “If Trump and Infantino really agreed on that, that’s crazy. It calls everything into question. These two people, neither of whom knows anything about football, shouldn’t have anything to do with it at all.”
Controversial Reversal
Balogun had been expected to miss the last-16 tie after receiving a red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The dismissal appeared to rule the striker out of the knockout clash, yet FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been rescinded.
The timing and nature of the decision raised immediate questions. The Athletic reported that US President Donald Trump had telephoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino—described as being on friendly terms with the American leader—to request the ban be lifted. Neither FIFA nor the White House has issued any comment regarding this report.
Belgium’s Response
Belgium, the United States’ opponents in the knockout stage, expressed shock at the ruling. The Belgian federation stated they were “astonished” by the U-turn and confirmed they were “investigating all potential options” in response to the governing body’s move.
Klopp argued that the original sending-off left “no room for debate” and suggested that football must accept referees’ errors rather than seek external intervention. “In our game, we all suffer from wrong calls,” he said. “Still, we learn to live with them as we go through life.”
The German coach, who currently serves as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, has been linked with the vacant Germany national team position following Julian Nagelsmann’s recent dismissal.