Sports

Trump Intervenes with FIFA to Reverse Red Card for US Player

The Trump Report · Trump's FIFA intervention was 'utterly corrupt' | David Cay Johnston · July 7, 2026

The Trump Report

Trump's FIFA intervention was 'utterly corrupt' | David Cay Johnston

"Donald thinks he's all powerful. So here he calls up an official at this corrupt organization FIFA that gave him the FIFA peace prize and says, 'Hey, I want you to remove the red card on this player and they do it. They do it. They bow down to him.' And so to Donald, this is just further proof that in fact he alone is qualified to be president and he is the state."

Former investigative journalist discusses Trump's reported phone call to FIFA president Johnny Infantino to reverse US striker Faren Balagan's red card suspension, which FIFA granted in an unprecedented move. Belgium's football association appealed the decision, calling it astonishing, while a former FIFA president warned football should not become a playground for political power. The commentator argues this demonstrates Trump's belief in his own absolute power and fits a pattern of corruption involving pardons for major drug traffickers and January 6th attackers.

About this episode

In this political analysis segment, a professor and investigative journalist examines recent Trump administration controversies spanning international sports interference, Ukraine diplomacy, and alleged corruption. The discussion centers on Trump's reported intervention with FIFA president Johnny Infantino to reverse a red card suspension for US soccer player Faren Balagan, which FIFA granted despite Belgium's protests and warnings from former FIFA officials about political interference in sports. The commentator draws parallels between this incident and Trump's broader pattern of wielding executive power, including pardons for major drug traffickers who brought hundreds of tons of cocaine into the US and January 6th Capitol attackers. The conversation shifts to Trump's 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine peace negotiations ahead of the NATO summit, with the analyst suggesting Russian desperation as Ukraine makes battlefield gains and potentially approaches recapture of Crimea. The episode concludes with discussion of Trump family business dealings, including $1.4 billion reportedly made in 2025 through cryptocurrency ventures and mining deals worldwide. The commentator compares Trump's self-enrichment to Putin's kleptocratic model, contrasting it with Jimmy Carter's divestment of his peanut warehouse in 1977. He argues Trump violates the Constitution's emoluments clause by using presidential power and taxpayer money to fund family business ventures, though notes the clause lacks enforcement mechanisms when violated by a sitting president.

Key takeaways

Trump reportedly called FIFA president to reverse US player's red card suspension, which FIFA granted in unprecedented move despite international criticism.
Professor argues Trump has pardoned major drug traffickers who brought 400 tons of cocaine into the US and all January 6th Capitol attackers.
Trump held 90-minute call with Putin on Ukraine peace deal, with analyst suggesting Kremlin desperation as Ukraine advances militarily.
Ukraine appears close to recapturing Crimea with advanced drone technology reaching deeper into Russian territory, according to commentator.
Trump family reportedly made $1.4 billion in 2025 through cryptocurrency and at least 14 mining deals worldwide using taxpayer subsidies.
Former Governor Chris Christie compared Trump's business practices to Putin-style kleptocratic corruption and self-enrichment while in office.
Analyst argues Trump violates Constitution's emoluments clause but notes the clause lacks enforcement mechanisms against sitting presidents.