Donald Trump intervened at the World Cup. (Image: Getty Images)
Tottenham can now sign a player embroiled in a FIFA scandal involving Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. Folarin Balogun, who also previously represented Arsenal, was sent off at the World Cup, only to have his red card rescinded when the US President called his FIFA counterpart.
Balogun was cleared to play as a result, a decision that caused plenty of controversy, as an exceptional decision was made for the United States striker. Now, he could get a move back to the Premier League via Spurs, who are searching for a striker after struggling for goals last year.
The Sun claim that Balogun’s future at current club Monaco is uncertain, with the player available for a ‘competitive fee’. Balogun has been offered to Spurs by his representatives.
Balogun moved to the Principality club in 2023 after coming through the ranks at Arsenal. Should Tottenham reach an agreement with Monaco, they would find themselves benefiting their north London rivals through a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause.
The striker appeared destined to be among the standout performers of the World Cup on home soil after netting three goals in four matches. However, his contributions were largely overshadowed by the storm surrounding his dismissal during the tournament.
Balogun received his marching orders in the round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina after inadvertently catching Tarik Muharemovic’s leg with his studs. It was only following VAR review that the red card was issued, yet the drama was far from over.
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The forward was allowed to feature in the next round against Belgium after his anticipated suspension was deferred for a year. The decision followed considerable pressure from the host nation, including from Trump and his administration.
Despite Balogun’s inclusion, the United States were unable to avoid an early exit from the tournament, and the ruling drew fierce condemnation.
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace, I really do,” declared Wayne Rooney during his punditry duties for the BBC.
Folarin Balogun was controversially sent off at the World Cup. (Image: AP)
“I know it’s UEFA but I got a three-game ban before Euro 2012. I was due to miss the three group games and I got told if I went over to Switzerland and did a training session with a bunch of kids, my third game would get taken off. I agreed to do it because I didn’t want a three-game ban but I thought that was wrong.
“For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which is probably the right decision, and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year? I think it’s an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this.
“The sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I’m USA’s opponent, I’d be absolutely fuming. It’s wrong in every way. If you’re an England player tonight or a Mexican player, and you get a red card, do you expect to be playing the next game? Where does it stop?”
Following the tournament, Balogun took to social media to reflect on his nation’s campaign and offer an apology to supporters across the United States. He chose not to address the controversy that had surrounded him, however.
He wrote: “My debut World Cup…It hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans it was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down.
“Soccer in America will only become bigger the belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.”