Fifa president defends Folarin Balogun World Cup reprieve after Donald Trump's intervention
via The Namibian3 min read
Fifa chief Gianni Infantino defended the decision to allow US World Cup player Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium, despite receiving a red card in the previous match. This defense came after former US President Donald Trump confirmed he had directly appealed to Infantino regarding the card. Balogun, a key player for the US team, was initially set to miss the last-16 game. Fifa suspended the red card, a decision that sparked controversy and led to Belgium's appeal being dismissed as "inadmissible." Infantino stated that Fifa's disciplinary process is independent and he cannot influence it, despite acknowledging Trump's call. Trump told reporters he contacted Infantino, with whom he has a close relationship, to request a review of the foul. European football's governing body UEFA criticized Fifa, stating it had "crossed a red line" and that the decision undermined the rules of fair competition. Coaches Rudi Garcia of Belgium and Stale Solbakken of Norway, along with former England player Gary Neville and future Germany coach Jurgen Klopp, also voiced strong disapproval, with Neville calling the situation "a stain" on the World Cup. Infantino confirmed he regularly discusses World Cup matters with President Trump and receives calls from various global leaders and stakeholders.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
England began their World Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City, a match described as their greatest win on foreign soil. The game at Estadio Azteca was marked by a delay due to storms, a hostile crowd, and a red card for defender Jarell Quansah in the second half. Despite these challenges, Thomas Tuchel鈥檚 team secured the win, setting up a quarter-final match against Norway. Former England captains Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer praised the team's performance, suggesting it demonstrates their capability to win the World Cup. England, who were among the tournament favorites, had an underwhelming group stage and had to come from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32. Mexico, co-hosts of the tournament, were unbeaten in 10 previous World Cup games at the stadium. England took an early 2-0 lead with two goals from Jude Bellingham, though Julian Quinones scored for Mexico before halftime. The match changed significantly when Quansah received a red card. Harry Kane then scored a penalty, restoring England's two-goal lead, but Mexico's Raul Jimenez converted a penalty shortly after. England maintained a strong defensive effort with just 33.2 percent possession, their lowest on record in a World Cup match since 1966. Coach Tuchel commended his team's mentality and spirit. Bellingham encouraged his teammates to believe in themselves. England will next face Erling Haaland's Norway, with potential semi-final matches against Argentina, Sw
Britain's Arthur Fery, a wildcard entry, secured a dramatic five-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov to advance to the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Fery, ranked 114th in the world, won 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 10/7 on Centre Court and will next face ninth seed Flavio Cobolli. This marks Fery's first time reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals, and he is set to enter the ATP top 100. In other matches, Italian 13th seed Jasmine Paolini defeated Alexandra Eala 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2024 All England Club final. Paolini will play Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk. Flavio Cobolli also progressed to his second consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final by beating Australian fifth seed Alex de Minaur 7-5, 7-6 7/4, 6-3. American sixth seed Taylor Fritz reached the last eight for the fourth time in five years, defeating Alexander Bublik 7-6 7/1, 6-4, 6-4. Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens also advanced to her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final, beating Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-4, and will face Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova.
Must ReadSubstitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner, securing a 1-0 victory for Spain over Portugal and concluding Cristiano Ronaldo鈥檚 World Cup career. Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles. The match, held in front of 70,649 fans, saw Merino score in the first minute of injury time after Ferran Torres set him up. This marked Ronaldo's final World Cup match, as the 41-year-old had confirmed it would be his last appearance on football's biggest stage. Both teams entered the game unbeaten, with Spain having not conceded a goal in the tournament. Despite early opportunities for Spain, including a missed shot by Mikel Oyarzabal, and a chance for Ronaldo, the game remained goalless until Merino's decisive strike. Portugal's Nuno Mendes was forced off due to injury in the second half. Spain's victory advances them to the next round of the competition.