Donald Trump’s World Cup chief, Andrew Giuliani, has admitted that the scandal surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card may have distracted the USMNT ahead of their humiliating loss against Belgium.
USA striker Balogun was cleared to play in the last-16 clash, despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after FIFA made the sensational decision to suspend his one-game ban.
President Trump later confirmed that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the red card, sparking outrage in some quarters. Even with Balogun, the USMNT suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium which cut short their World Cup campaign.
Giuliani, who is executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force, has said he ‘stands by’ the decision to intervene, insisting that – given all the money the US spent on the tournament – they wanted to ensure the tournament was ‘fairly administered on the pitch.’
But on Thursday, the Daily Mail asked whether the whole political saga could have distracted Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
‘Potentially,’ Giuliani said. ‘I’m not a sports psychiatrist, so it’s tough for me to assess that. But I’m proud of this team, even in their lowest moments to be able to show the great character that they had, and that’s really where my focus has been.’
Andrew Giuliani admitted the scandal around Folarin Balogun may have distracted the USMNT
The striker was sent off for a tackle during their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
FIFA president Gianni Infantino pictured alongside Donald Trump last month
‘I know that’s the way the president feels about it. I think from our standpoint… obviously the VAR never should have been applied in that way [against Bosnia and Herzegovina].’
Giuliani also brought up British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who intervened to block FIFA bringing forward the kickoff time of England’s clash with Mexico. ‘Even though that specifically was a request because three Mexicans had died after the round-of-32 match [against Ecuador],’ Giuliani said. ‘That intervention has far greater ramifications.’
The Balogun affair has also piled pressure on Infantino, who faced allegations of favoritism and caving to the White House. The FIFA president insisted the decision was made by ‘independent’ bodies acting ‘autonomously.’
And Giuliani has come to the support of Infantino, insisting he and Trump are ‘the two most charismatic leaders that you’ll ever meet.’
He claimed: ‘President Trump is second to none, but a close second is Gianni Infantino… there may be more politics in soccer than there is in even Washington, DC, and it’s fascinating to see it from my perspective.
‘But seeing the two of them in the room, you can see that you’re looking at two geniuses at their craft, and I think that’s why you see that mutual respect.’
Following the Balogun saga, Argentina snuck past Egypt with a dramatic comeback that included refereeing controversy and allegations that the tournament is ‘directed toward’ the defending champions.
‘I understand everybody’s frustrated,’ Giuliani said. ‘The way [Argentina] were able to come back was just incredible. That’s one of the things that happens in sports… you have these close calls, and they’ll be debated for years and years.’
USA striker Balogun was cleared to play in the last 16 but that did not save his team
The USMNT crashed out of the World Cup following a 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle
Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to ask him to review Balogun’s one-match ban
The USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium saw the country’s World Cup dreams come crashing down in Seattle. Trump is rarely shy to offer his thoughts on sports but he has yet to publicly address the team’s World Cup exit.
‘He obviously was disappointed, unfortunately, with the loss but as he said a few hours before the game: the fact that Belgium had its full squad, the Americans had our full squad, whoever wins the game, you tip your cap to them.
‘And I know that the President tips his cap to them and is also proud of this US team,’ Giuliani explained.
During and after the game, Belgium players mocked the president by performing the Trump dance. An Iran spokesperson, meanwhile, said: ‘The whole world is dancing to celebrate politics’ humiliating defeat by football.’
‘I won’t comment on the Iranians [but] in terms of the [Belgium] dance, I think President Trump does it better. I think he’s a better dancer,’ Giuliani said.
‘Belgium was the better team – they played faster, they played stronger, [it was] very, very impressive showing… obviously I know the US team would love to have that day back.’
But Giuliani added: ‘I’m very proud that they were able to represent our country.’
Pochettino was under contract until this World Cup, with an offer on the table for the coach to extend until after the next tournament in 2030. His team came under fire for the performance against Belgium but Pochettino has the backing of Giuliani, who wants him to re-sign.
Giuliani would like to see USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino sign a new contract
‘He’s a fantastic coach,’ the White House Task Force chief said. ‘I would love to see Coach Pochettino come back.’
Trump has yet to attend a World Cup game but the president is expected to be at this month’s final, on hand to present the trophy alongside Infantino.
Giuliani would not shed more light on Trump’s plans except to say: ‘Expect the unexpected, have your popcorn ready… stay tuned and you’ll see a good show.’
He added: [Trump is] somebody who understands how important sports is to the culture of America and how much our American ideals are aligned with that incredible teamwork, the never-give-up [attitude], the dedication you see on the pitch.’
