President Donald Trump holds up a red card during a...

President Donald Trump holds up a red card during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Washington. Credit: AP/Evan Vucci

SEATTLE — FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he discussed the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun with Donald Trump, and he explained to the U.S. president that a decision on the matter would be taken by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.

“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies,” Infantino said in a statement Monday on X. “That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold."

Balogun was cleared to play for the United States in the World Cup round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday after FIFA lifted his one-match suspension. Belgium said it was challenging the decision.

4th of july sale

Digital Access

25¢

for
6 MONTHS

CELEBRATE NOW >Cancel anytime - New subscribers only