Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?
Football must never become a playground for political power. #FIFA #WorldCup #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump
U.S. official: "The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension. The appeal process is run by an independent board. The U.S. government provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process. Ultimately the correct and proper outcome was achieved."