Washington, July 6 -- A United States official has confirmed that President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Folarin Balogun's suspension at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the conversation was aimed at understanding the basis for the striker's red card and subsequent one-match ban before an independent appeal process overturned the sanction.

Confirming the interaction, the official said, "The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension. The appeal process is run by an independent board. The U.S. government provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process. Ultimately, the correct and pro...