football

Giuliani Defends Trump's Pitch to Lift Balogun Suspension

Published July 9, 2026 · Updated July 9, 2026 · The Guardian

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, defended Donald Trump’s lobbying to lift the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun. He cited concerns over Brazilian referee Raphael Claus following a 2024 senate investigation into referee assignments.

The suspension was imposed after Balogun received a red card from referee Raphael Claus in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Giuliani said the decision was suspect, referencing a 2024 Brazilian senate inquiry that examined referee assignments but did not find misconduct.

Balogun is set to face Belgium on Monday in the World Cup group stage, and the U.S. taskforce is pushing FIFA to overturn the sanction ahead of the match. trojkonferencja2024.pl

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