An enduring saying in American politics, immortalized by a bestselling book, goes: “Everything Trump touches dies.”
US Soccer experienced this firsthand, witnessing the ultimate downfall after Donald Trump took pride in his involvement in the Folarin Balogun situation, which ended with a humiliating defeat for the USA.
Some argue that the 4-1 loss to Belgium might actually benefit Fifa, especially given the turmoil surrounding the organization just hours before the match, and they may be right in the short term. Belgium lacks the motivation to take action as they would if Balogun had led the US to victory.
However, over time, Gianni Infantino’s Fifa may have inadvertently exposed itself to a series of unnecessary complications and legal challenges.
This might lead to a more complex phase in Infantino’s relationship with Trump.
It’s astonishing to recall how hesitant Fifa had been to disclose details of the Balogun scenario just the day before; each new report was viewed as revealing covert information.
Then, the next morning, Trump spilled everything, putting Infantino in an awkward position.
“Yes, I asked for a review by Fifa,” Trump stated, adding, “I spoke to a man who is highly respected, and, by the way, his level of respect has grown tenfold.”
Why tenfold, Mr. President?
US president Donald Trump meets with Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino before the World Cup (Reuters)
As comically compliant as Infantino may be towards Trump, he seemed overwhelmed by Trump’s revelations.
A flurry of statements from Fifa revealed an urgent response from a once reticent organization.
As one source noted, “There was no reason for this case at all. This is entirely fabricated, and Trump is revealing everything.”
And it could potentially lead to serious ramifications.
Fifa insisted repeatedly that the disciplinary committee was “independent”—despite insiders declaring that the concept of such independence within Fifa is fundamentally misguided—but this overlooks the larger issue.
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The main concern is that this situation likely would not have arisen without government intervention.
In essence, political meddling is at play. One can only ponder how the conversation would unfold if a similar scenario occurred in other football contexts, particularly beyond the West.
The impact is already evident. Football associations, fueled by the national pride that the World Cup incites, are now contemplating contesting every ruling.
The French federation is pushing to have Michael Olise’s yellow card overturned, while the Football Association is evaluating all possibilities regarding Jarell Quansah’s red card.
As Thomas Tuchel remarked, “Where does this end?”
This situation is unlikely to resolve itself within the current World Cup.
This precedent set by Fifa, especially at such a high-profile event, risks serious repercussions that the organization could later regret.
A statement from the Swiss federation, which is particularly significant given that it’s based in the same country as Fifa, noted, “This decision raises questions and creates uncertainty, especially regarding the authority of referees’ decisions.”
In effect, the consequences extend beyond the field and may lead to legal battles.
This concern is enhanced by the rising issue of “lawfare” in the Premier League, where it seems increasingly plausible that refereeing decisions could be subject to legal challenges.
Just as with the rising ticket prices that Premier League club owners desire, Fifa has now opened the door to similar issues.
This is why many within UEFA and its member associations express outrage, as they recognize the broader implications, whether Infantino is aware of them or chooses to overlook them.
This could pave the way for significant pushback in unrelated cases. Furthermore, it’s a wholly self-inflicted predicament for Infantino’s Fifa. Until this week, his strategy seemed to succeed.
The narrative had shifted to focus on the grandeur of the game itself. With the previous controversies—ranging from issues related to host nations to Infantino’s controversial partnerships—fading into the background, there was even a growing appreciation for the entertaining US team.
That sentiment has dissipated. By Monday morning, global media coverage shifted its focus from thrilling matches to the Balogun affair.
Infantino has submitted to Trump (Getty)
It might appear as though Fifa has reverted to its original stance during this World Cup, but the situation has escalated.
While myriad issues surrounding this World Cup and Infantino’s presidency—up to the governance practices and the influence behind awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 hosting rights—still loom large, they do not resonate as deeply with the average fan.
What truly matters is how these aspects affect play on the field.
As evidenced by precedents like December’s Ronaldo incident, current events are bringing the spotlight to issues of sporting integrity and Fifa’s credibility.
As a result, this narrative has incited significant frustration within the football community.
This entire saga serves as a vivid illustration of how football is mirroring a world shaped by Trump, where the established international order is increasingly being called into question.
Furthermore, the rhetoric around the inaccurate criticisms directed at referee Raphael Claus and distorted narratives regarding slow-motion replays are indicative of the deliberate manipulation of the public discourse.
Additionally, the notion of the “Trumpification” of Fifa is becoming apparent—a body possibly too accustomed to operating without challenge, with a president who appears to govern as he pleases.
Yet, dissent may be on the rise. Widespread discontent is escalating.
Norway is vocally dissenting, especially as they prepare to face England’s next opponents, further spotlighting the lack of response from the Football Association.
Norway’s football chief Lise Klaveness (second right) has been a firm critic of Infantino (Reuters)
This precedent may have additional significance. With upcoming World Cups set to be hosted by Morocco and Saudi Arabia, where authoritarian regimes are in place, this might signal more than an isolated incident.
It certainly seems that Trump’s involvement reflects a broader trend in US politics.
His interference—alongside Infantino’s complicity—might have ultimately dashed the US team’s aspirations and could have damaging repercussions for the future of the sport.