parks
‘I didn’t think it was a foul’: Trump says he asked FIFA president for review of controversial red card
By CNN at KVIA ABC-7
· July 6, 2026
· 4 min read
CNN
By Betsy Klein, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he personally asked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the decision to give a red card and one-game ban to Team USA star striker Folarin Balogun — a remarkable intervention that sparked a torrent of controversy at the ...
Key takeaway FIFA on Sunday announced that Balogun would be eligible to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium Monday night, igniting questions around the integrity of the tournament.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's soccer fans are likely watching the controversy surrounding the red card given to Team USA star striker Folarin Balogun with great interest, given the city's own passion for the sport. The fact that President Trump personally intervened in the matter, asking FIFA's president to review the decision, adds a new layer of complexity to the debate. While the president's comments may have sparked outrage in some quarters, they will likely resonate with many El Pasoans who feel that the call was indeed harsh. As the city's own soccer community continues to grow and thrive, with numerous local leagues and tournaments, the issue of fair play and proper refereeing is one that hits close to home. The reversal of the red card decision, allowing Balogun to play in the Round of 16, will be seen as a victory for those who believe in the importance of getting calls right, and El Paso's soccer enthusiasts will be eager to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? CNN
By Betsy Klein, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he personally asked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the decision to give a red card and one-game ban to Team USA star striker Folarin Balogun — a remarkable intervention that sparked a torrent of controversy at the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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