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Trump says he asked FIFA to review U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun's suspension
By Megan Brand and Monica Alba | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 5 min read
President Donald Trump confirmed that he asked FIFA to review U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension before the organization reversed its decision, allowing the star striker to participate in Monday night’s match.
“I asked for a review by FIFA,” Trump said, responding to a re...
Key takeaway “I asked for a review by FIFA,” Trump said, responding to a reporter’s question during an Oval Office event on Monday.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The intervention by President Trump in the Folarin Balogun suspension case has significant implications for the local soccer community in Los Angeles . As the US prepares to face Belgium in the World Cup, the reversal of Balogun's suspension has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits. For Angelenos who follow soccer, the president's actions raise questions about the role of politics in sports and the potential for external influence on the game. The fact that Trump claimed to have "nothing to do with the decision" despite acknowledging his request for a review by FIFA has added to the controversy. As the city's soccer fans gather to watch the match, they will be watching not only the action on the field but also the potential fallout from the president's involvement in the sport. The outcome of the game will be closely followed in Los Angeles, where soccer has a dedicated and passionate fan base.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump confirmed that he asked FIFA to review U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension before the organization reversed its decision, allowing the star striker to participate in Monday night’s match.
“I asked for a review by FIFA,” Trump said, responding to a re...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Megan Brand and Monica Alba | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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