Trump Praises FIFA Boss for Canceling Controversial Balogun Red Card: ‘Great Decision!’

President Donald Trump applauded FIFA boss Gianni Infantino on Friday for making a “great decision” when he canceled the controversial red card against USA striker Folarin Balogun earlier this month.

Trump said the move — which followed the president calling Infantino to lobby on the player’s behalf – was a standout moment from an “unforgettable” World Cup.

“Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave a gentlemen — is it a red card? And I was forced to call Gianni and just make a recommendation,” Trump said during an event in New York City to celebrate the tournament.

Trump then gritted his teeth and feigned like he was irate when he called the FIFA president. “I said Gianni, I’d like to make a recommendation — LET THE GUY IN THE GAME!”

He continued, “No I didn’t say that. I said I’d like to wage a complaint. And actually, I had no idea [the call would be reversed].”

Trump’s decision to call Infantino became a huge news story and led to a lot of gripes. Washington Post opinion writer Kate Andrews warned Trump’s lobby would make it seem “unfair” if the US beat Belgium on July 6. MS NOW anchor Katy Tur went even further, arguing Trump’s call made Americans “look like cheaters.” 

The yanked red card ultimately didn’t matter much, with the U.S. soccer squad getting smoked 4-1 by Belgium on July 6.

Trump on Friday said Infantino’s decision was still a wise one, because it made sure there was no debate the best team won.

“It was so much better the way it worked out, because there’s no controversy. They won the game and our team had all of its players,” Trump said. “You made another great decision, if you think about it.”

Trump’s kudos came as both he and Infantino traded compliments during the Friday press conference. The president also found time to mock England for blowing its 1-0 lead against Argentina and declared the record-setting TV viewership proved the U.S. was now an official “soccer country.”