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Interference by Trump in the World Cup.

(101 Posts)
NotSpaghetti Sun 05-Jul-26 23:46:07

Others may have seen this earlier but i think it's grim.
I've looked elsewhere but can't see it being discussed.

Donald Trump successfully intervened to have a crucial red card suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun lifted.
It was a studs on the ankle situation.

Trump phoned Gianni Infantino three times to complain about the decision

Under standard World Cup regulations, it is an automatic one-match ban for a straight red card... and it can not be challenged- even if it wasn't intentional

www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/05/folarin-balogun-red-card-suspension-lifted-usmnt-belgium-world-cup?hl=en-GB#:~:text=Balogun%20has%20been%20a%20constant,and%20reversing%20a%20great%20injustice!%E2%80%9D

tanith Tue 07-Jul-26 07:52:39

Couldn’t be better could it, cheating gets you nowhere serves em right 👏👏👏

Sarnia Tue 07-Jul-26 07:53:15

Infantino must resign and if he doesn't then he needs to be forcibly removed. Trump had no right to interfere but I suppose he considers Infantino as his mate after he invented the ludicrous FIFA Peace Prize and awarded it to, guess who, Donald J Trump. Enough to make you puke.
I am delighted that Belgium battered the USA 4-1 but that mustn't be the end of the matter. Trump and Infantino have tarnished this World Cup and FIFA's integrity.

Magenta8 Tue 07-Jul-26 08:00:31

It made me smile when I read that some of the Belgians did an imitation of the embarrassing Trump victory dance at the end of the match.

Nevertheless I feel sorry for the American team as it is not their national game and they did well to get as far as they did.
Balogun had become a pawn in Trump's latest, stupid ego trip through no fault of his own.

I am waiting with bated breath to hear what the great orange one has to say on the subject. He will probably start ranting about something completely different, as is his usual diversionary tactic.

Himdowntheroad Tue 07-Jul-26 08:06:32

I'm sure very few are upset, and many will be rejoicing, that the final score was USA 1 - 4 Belgium.

foxie48 Tue 07-Jul-26 08:08:06

Perhaps he'll try to get his own back at today's NATO meeting.

Pittcity Tue 07-Jul-26 08:09:17

I've heard that the Belgians are on alert for the air raid sirens 🤣

AGAA4 Tue 07-Jul-26 08:38:52

A sock in the eye for Trump. Cheating didn't work this time.

Iam64 Tue 07-Jul-26 08:44:15

Great result Belgium. Trump’s narcissism knows no bounds

Fallingstar Tue 07-Jul-26 09:08:44

This will cast a shadow over US sport as a whole and FIFA.
Which is a shame because I imagine the US team did not want to earn the title of cheaters.

fancythat Tue 07-Jul-26 09:13:52

foxie48

Perhaps he'll try to get his own back at today's NATO meeting.

Yikes.
I wouldnt put it past him.

NotSpaghetti Tue 07-Jul-26 12:40:17

My son sent me this:

Cossy Tue 07-Jul-26 12:43:12

paddyann54

Think Infantino should start looking for another job!
No sport should be subject to this type of interference .
Trump gets worse by the day!

Yes!

Cossy Tue 07-Jul-26 12:43:54

Sarnia

Infantino must resign and if he doesn't then he needs to be forcibly removed. Trump had no right to interfere but I suppose he considers Infantino as his mate after he invented the ludicrous FIFA Peace Prize and awarded it to, guess who, Donald J Trump. Enough to make you puke.
I am delighted that Belgium battered the USA 4-1 but that mustn't be the end of the matter. Trump and Infantino have tarnished this World Cup and FIFA's integrity.

I absolutely agree. I feel FIFA our tainted here.

Cossy Tue 07-Jul-26 12:44:31

NotSpaghetti

My son sent me this:

Love it! How I wish Trump would go away, far far away!

Magenta8 Tue 07-Jul-26 12:47:13

Was Trump joking when he said that the game against Belgium was like the 2020 election in that it was rigged?

Witzend Tue 07-Jul-26 13:03:23

Cossy

Sarnia

Infantino must resign and if he doesn't then he needs to be forcibly removed. Trump had no right to interfere but I suppose he considers Infantino as his mate after he invented the ludicrous FIFA Peace Prize and awarded it to, guess who, Donald J Trump. Enough to make you puke.
I am delighted that Belgium battered the USA 4-1 but that mustn't be the end of the matter. Trump and Infantino have tarnished this World Cup and FIFA's integrity.

I absolutely agree. I feel FIFA our tainted here.

Tainted??? FIFA is notoriously corrupt, as has been well known for years. Moneymoneymoneymoneymoney…..

Fallingstar Tue 07-Jul-26 13:06:55

There are petitions on change.org calling for Infantino’s resignation. I signed one but can’t find a way to post the link. Just google it, is easy to find.

Magenta8 Tue 07-Jul-26 13:38:41

Had Balogun's red card been upheld and he had not been allowed to play, the great orange one would no doubt have claimed that the US team would have won easily had he been on the team.

I think Infantino backed the wrong horse and he has brought football into disrepute. He ought to go. So should Trump.

NotSpaghetti Tue 07-Jul-26 14:13:20

Here is a lego video "Belgium win against trump" type thing.

Posted in humour only - I too am amazed that USA got so far after not many years in the sport.

And though it was a really horrible stud incident the actual player involved was not the one calling Infantino.

www.facebook.com/share/v/18zN3FvuAJ/

WithNobsOnIt Tue 07-Jul-26 14:19:06

Doesn't suprise about me Trumps involvement at all. He is an American Emperor and can do and just gets what he wants. Whenever he wants

Meglamiac Supreme.

As for FIFA,like most World governing Sports and Athletics bodies their attitude stinks.

They are hugely corrupt and seem to have been untouchable for years.

Jduffy50 Tue 07-Jul-26 14:20:48

Best way to beat bullies - Belgium 4 USA 1 and humiliate them ie copying the silly Trump dance carried out during Belgium’s victory celebrations

missdeke Tue 07-Jul-26 14:48:37

Why are people so scared of crossing the orange nutjob's childish outbursts.

icanhandthemback Tue 07-Jul-26 14:51:41

I read an article this morning that said Balogun had made an effort to speak directly to the Belgian Manager who was very gracious about the whole thing. The whole episode leaves a nasty taste in your mouth but I think the Belgians have behaved admirably throughout and their victory was definitely warranted.
Personally I would like to see FIFA completely overhauled so that it can be free from the corruption which obviously exists at the top level. As a known cheat, Donald Trump has done the USA team a huge disservice but there again, he wouldn't understand that victory is even sweeter if you play by the rules.

fancythat Tue 07-Jul-26 15:50:51

missdeke

Why are people so scared of crossing the orange nutjob's childish outbursts.

I dont know what FIFA were on earth thinking.

grumppa Tue 07-Jul-26 16:14:58

If Trump had not intervened the USA team would have fought hard to show that they could win without their top goal scorer, and the Belgians might have been less motivated. Well done Trump, just what your country wanted!