FIFA's Red Card Reversal: Politics Trumps Fair Play in World Cup Drama The latest twist in the 2026 World Cup saga revolves around Folarin Balogun's red card, which was revoked at the eleventh hour by FIFA due to a phone call from Donald Trump.
This decision has left many questioning whether politics is increasingly influencing the sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's efforts to build bridges with world leaders have been well documented, but this move takes that relationship to a new level.