This is our game, not theirs: Klopp attacks Trump, Infantino bans Balogun

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed reports that United States President Donald Trump has intervened to help overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension ahead of the USA’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Klopp described the alleged interference as “crazy” and said political leaders should have no role in football’s disciplinary decisions.

The remarks came after FIFA allowed Balogun to face Belgium despite the striker’s automatic suspension following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

“If Trump and Infantino really agreed on this, it’s crazy. It calls everything into question,” Klopp said while appearing as a pundit on German television MagentaTV, as quoted by Yahoo sports. “These two people, neither of whom know anything about football, should have nothing to do with it at all.”

Klopp also defended the referee’s original decision and insisted there was no confusion over Balogun’s sending off. “That’s a red card,” he said. “Even if someone considers a red card a mistake, we all suffer from bad calls in our game. However, we learn to live with them as we go through life.” Summing up his frustration, Klopp added: “This is our game, not theirs.”

Controversy erupted after FIFA overturned Balogun’s ban and allowed the forward to play against Belgium. The United States welcomed the decision, while Belgium said it was “stunned” and confirmed that he is exploring all possible options.

The Athletic subsequently reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino—who is known to share a cordial relationship with the US president — to seek the lifting of Balogun’s ban. FIFA and the White House have not officially commented on the report. USA’s Folarin Balogun receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Round of 32 clash (Photo reuters)

BALOGUN BAN OVERTURN THE CLOUDS WORLD CUP

Balogun was automatically suspended after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under FIFA regulations, such suspensions generally include an automatic one-match ban unless overturned after review.

The decision to make Balogun available for the Belgium clash sparked debate about FIFA’s disciplinary processes and the perception of political influence in football governance. Belgian football authorities have publicly questioned the decision and are considering possible legal and sporting avenues in response.

Klopp’s comments further intensified the debate, with the former Liverpool boss arguing that the integrity of football depends on decisions being made independent of outside influences. His comments come as he remains one of the leading candidates to succeed Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach after Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32.

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Published on:

06 Jul 2026 18:05 IST