Jurgen Klopp hits out at Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump amid Germany return talks
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesJurgen KloppFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hit out at FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's ban at the World Cup, amid reports of contact between US president Donald Trump and Gianni InfantinoJurgen Klopp has hit out at FIFA over its handling of Folarin Balogun's suspension(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))Jurgen Klopp has slammed the "crazy" reports surrounding claims that US president Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino before soccer's governing body suspended the ban on Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.The USMNT star was controversially sent off in his team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, as an accidental challenge saw VAR intervene and award a straight red card to the striker. While the hosts eventually booked a place in the round of 16, there was some frustration that Balogun wouldn't be available for the round of 16 clash against Belgium that follows, given how impressive he has been in the tournament so far.Despite rules stating that a ban would be automatic, and there would be no appeal process, FIFA reviewed the situation and decided to trigger article 27, which means the red card ban could be suspended for the World Cup.It was an unprecedented move, which has faced plenty of backlash, not least after reports alleged that Trump had contacted Infantino regarding a decision.Those allegations were put to former Liverpool boss Klopp, who hit back on Magenta TV over the situation and said: "If that really was the case, then that's crazy."Let's just say: this is our game, not theirs.
These two people, who both have no idea about football, should have nothing to do with that."That was a red card, there's no two ways about it. We're sorry for Balogun because he didn't mean to do it, but that's what the rules say."Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump have been criticized over the Folarin Balogun red card suspension(Image: (Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))It was a decision that has brought plenty of criticism, with Klopp the latest voice to speak out against the call to suspend Balogun's ban for the upcoming match.It comes as the German coach himself is looking to step into the world of international management, as talks continue over a move to join his national team as the next head coach.While it's unclear how long Klopp's deal could be, if he signs one until 2030, he may well be in a position to manage in a World Cup, where he will see first hand the impact of the decisions made by FIFA across the tournament.As of writing, Balogun remains available for selection, with Mauricio Pochettino likely to pick the US star striker in the clash with Belgium in the next round.That won't be without its controversy, with voices already rallying against the decision, from national team managers to UEFA, Europe's governing body for soccer.It remains to be seen what the fall out from it will all be, as all eyes turn towards the USMNT vs Belgium game with anticipation for the impact the decision will have one way or the other.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Jurgen KloppFIFA World Cup