Donald Trump: Suspension of Folarin Balogun will leave a 'huge stain'

US President Donald Trump recently confirmed that he asked FIFA to consider striker Folarin Balogun's one-match penalty at the World Cup. Mr. Trump said that the world football organization had "made the right decision" to suspend this penalty, and said that if the penalty was implemented, it would leave a "huge stain" on the tournament.

Folarin Balogun, the US team's leading scorer in this tournament, was expected to be suspended for the round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle on Tuesday. However, on Monday night, FIFA decided to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, paving the way for the 25-year-old to participate in competition.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked FIFA to review the decision because he "didn't think it was a foul". He confirmed he had spoken to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but emphasized that he only asked for a review and did not request a suspension of Balogun's punishment.

"I think these are two outstanding athletes who collided with each other and got stuck," Trump said. "I think the fine will leave a big stain. I can't tell them what to do. I don't believe they made the decision; I think it was the committee that made the decision. And it was the right decision."

This decision by FIFA received applause from many football fans, because Balogun is one of the most important players of the US team during their World Cup journey. Allowing this player to play not only helps the US team strengthen but also maintains the spirit of the fans in a tournament held at home.

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