‘They rigged the election, and I got the World Cup’: Donald Trump praises Infantino for Balogun’s decision while reviving 2020 claims | Football News
President of the US Donald Trump FIFA president Gianni Infantino made the right decision by suspending the red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun before the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium in FIFA World Cupa game the Americans ultimately lost 4-1.Trump made the comments at a reception at Trump Tower ahead of a meeting of the FIFA Council on Friday, two days before Sunday’s World Cup final.Trump and Infantino walked on stage as Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA played through the speakers. The two stood at the podium for more than two minutes until the song ended before their speeches began.Both talked about the success of the tournament, which boosted attendance and television viewing. Infantino thanked Trump for his support in hosting the event.“You put on the greatest social and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed,” Infantino said.During his speech, Trump again referred to what he described as a “stolen” US presidential election in 2020, following his televised speech in which he made unproven claims that China interfered in the election.“I said, you know, I shouldn’t be here now. I should be president for eight years,” said Trump, referring to the fact that if he wins the 2020 election, he will leave office before the 2026 World Cup.“The polls show it. Everyone shows it. They rigged the election. And what did I get? I got the World Cup. I got the Olympics. And I brought them here.”Trump turned his attention to the United States men’s national team and Balogun’s disciplinary case.“You have unforgettable moments, like maybe the most unforgettable is what they gave that guy [a red card]Trump said.“And I was forced to call Gianni and just make a recommendation. I said, Gianni, I want to make a recommendation. Leave the man in the game. No, I didn’t say that. I said, I want to file a complaint. And honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen. “Balogun’s one-game suspension was lifted before the Belgium game, allowing him to play, although the United States was eliminated after a 4-1 loss.Trump said the outcome removed any debate over whether the suspension influenced the outcome.“You know, it’s so much better … because there is no controversy,” he said.“They won the game, and our team had all the players in it. Think about it, if he didn’t let him, they would say: ‘We could have won the game if we had our best players.’ So Gianni made yet another one of his many good decisions.At the end of the event, Trump said he would like the United States to host another FIFA World Cup in the future.“This time we’re going to leave Mexico and Canada,” he said, drawing laughter from the party-goers.
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