A Fourth of July video message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino was met with immediate backlash from American soccer fans demanding the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s recent red card.
Infantino sent a pre-recorded holiday broadcast to the Fox Sports desk on Saturday afternoon to acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the United States.
As part of the broadcast, Infantino arranged for the World Cup trophy to be displayed on the network’s Philadelphia set.
However, the message prompted a wave of criticism from USMNT supporters regarding the officiating in the ongoing tournament.
Fans remain focused on a red card issued to USA star Balogun, which currently suspends the starting striker from participating in the upcoming Round of 16 match.
Responding directly to the video on X, viewers utilized the comment section to urge FIFA officials to intervene and overturn the disciplinary action.
A Fourth of July message from Gianni Infantino was met with backlash from US soccer fans
Fans immediately called for Infantino to overturn the red card shown to Folarin Balogun
‘Helpful hint from an American,’ one user wrote. ‘If Gianni Infantino would like to celebrate USA’s 250th birthday, don’t do it with hollow word but do so by lifting the travesty of a red card on Folarin Balogun for Rd of 16.’
Another user dismissed the holiday message entirely, writing: ‘Rescind the red card’.
Balogun was sent off during the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday evening, where the striker opened the scoring in the 45th minute.
However, after the half time break, Balogun went from hero to zero after being shown a straight red card for a challenge on one of the opposing defenders.
Thought he initial challenge seemed fairly innocuous, replays appeared to show Balogun scraping his cleats down the back of his Bosnian counterpart.
The online criticism towards the FIFA chief served as a stark contrast to the celebratory tone of Infantino’s official address to the American audience.
‘This is a huge day for Fox. This is a huge day for the USA. This is a day where we celebrate 250 years of the USA,’ Infantino stated in the video.
‘At the FIFA World Cup, we are of course celebrating as well with incredible matches, incredible goals,’ the FIFA president continued.
Balogun was shown a straight red card for this tackle in their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
After a VAR review, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showed the striker the red card
‘Every goal felt with incredible emotion, like Americans feel today.’
Infantino then addressed the specific location of the Fox Sports broadcast desk to close out his remarks.
‘It all started 250 years ago in Philadelphia,’ Infantino said. ‘I would love to be there with you today but unfortunately I can’t be with you.’
The United States will now prepare for the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup without their primary attacking option on the roster.
