"Another Great Decision": Trump Praises Infantino Amid Balogun Controversy

US President Donald Trump lauded Gianni Infantino for "another great decision" after Folarin Balogun's one-match ban was temporarily overturned. This development followed a phone call between Trump and the FIFA president regarding the American striker's red card, which had sparked a major controversy at the World Cup.

During an event at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Friday – where neither Trump nor Infantino took questions from the media – the two reflected on the tournament. Within a remarkable 25 minutes, the US President also criticized England manager Thomas Tuchel's defensive tactics in their semi-final loss to Argentina. They also discussed the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams before the next men's edition in 2030.

FIFA and Trump co-hosted a reception at Trump Tower ahead of Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA maintains an office in Trump Tower, for which it pays rent to Trump's family business.

Infantino hinted that attendees included heads of state from around the world, representatives of football federations, members of the FIFA Council, and former players he referred to as "FIFA legends." Representatives from the White House press pool were also present, but after a tournament marred by numerous serious controversies, Infantino and Trump did not answer any questions.

As of Friday evening, FIFA had not announced a final press conference where media would have the opportunity to question Infantino.

Earlier on Friday, the FIFA president did not appear at a previously announced public event with former England defender Rio Ferdinand at the Fanatics Festival. The event was listed on the schedule earlier in the week but was removed by Friday morning. FIFA subsequently stated that such an appearance was never planned.

The Trump Tower event began with Trump and Infantino standing at the front of the room as Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A." played. This song is often used for Trump's entrance at his political rallies. The event concluded with the Village People's "Y.M.C.A." – another song frequently heard at Trump's events.

Infantino spoke first, telling Trump that the World Cup had "exceeded all expectations." He noted that this fulfilled a promise he made to Trump in the summer of 2018, shortly after the hosting rights were secured during Trump's first term in the White House.

Infantino praised the American president:

"You told me America would welcome the world, and you truly did. Everyone who came here enjoyed the tournament, as did everyone who stayed home."

Infantino made no mention of the US decision to deny entry to Somali FIFA referee Omar Artan. US administration officials claimed the reason was his "connection to suspected members of terrorist organizations."

At a pre-tournament press conference, Infantino defended the US's right to secure its borders, adding:

"Sometimes it's important to just calm down and relax."

Infantino also did not address the issues reported by the Iranian national team during the competition. Captain Mehdi Taremi described the tournament's organization as a "disaster" due to visa and team movement restrictions.

Four of the nations participating in the World Cup – Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast – are subject to travel bans, which limited their fans' ability to attend the tournament.

"I believe every team should be able to have their people with them. So I don't understand why people from Africa can't have their supporters," Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly told The Athletic during the group stage.