India, July 18 -- Donald Trump hailed FIFA President Gianni Infantino for helping to lift US player Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, a decision that drew criticism from football fans. Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina; a decision would see him miss out on his side's Round of 16 game against Belgium.

But the US President reached out to Infantino, asking to review the decision. FIFA overturned the suspension, allowing Balongun to participate in the match. Even though the Belgian FA and UEFA protested the decision, Balogun was allowed to play, but couldn't prevent a defeat for the US.

At a FIFA reception event in New York, Trump praised Infantino while standing next to him. "Gianni made yet another of his man...