​USMNT forward Folarin Balogun has revealed that he knew the decision to suspend his World Cup red card punishment would spark controversy.The dismissal came during his team’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia, with the striker still insisting that the decision was incorrect.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe controversy surrounding the red card has largely centered on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he intervened to have the suspension lifted. His claim has since prompted a complaint from human rights group FairSquare, which alleges that FIFA may have breached its rules on political neutrality.Speaking with “CBS Mornings” recently, Folarin Balogun shared his feelings about seeing his Round of 32 red card suspension lifted after Trump allegedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene.He told host Gayle King that his initial reaction was happiness at being back in the team. However, that changed when he began reflecting on Trump’s claim and its possible implications.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“When I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy,” the soccer star said. “And I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that is so unique.”Ron Sachs – CNP / MEGABalogun received the red card during the match against Bosnia, but his one-match suspension was suspended for one year, allowing him to feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.Trump was later questioned about the decision during an interview at the White House, where he launched into a rant that began with criticism of the refereeing decision.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports and who was a good athlete. I understand sports really well. And that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction,” Trump said, adding that the on-field incident was merely “two guys running with speed who happened to crash into each other.”He then admitted that he had called Infantino and shared details of their conversation.“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘you have to do this.’ This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino,” Trump continued.The suspension of Balogun’s red card following Trump’s alleged intervention sparked criticism from sporting bodies, fans, and respected officials.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSepp Blatter, the predecessor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was among those who weighed in, delivering a scathing assessment on his X account.“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote on July 6. “They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President, and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match, the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?”“Football must never become a playground for political power,” he further remarked.ZUMAPRESS.co