Episode
FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup
- Podcast
- The Athletic FC Podcast
- Published
- Jul 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2609
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/the-athletic-fc-podcast/episodes/fifa-trump-and-balogun-the-scandal-that-shook-the-world-cup
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Summary
On Sunday, The Athletic broke the world exclusive that USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban for the USMNT's round of 16 tie against Belgium had been suspended. Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon, who broke the news, join Ian Irving and Cerys Jones to look back on the controversy, which included the involvement of US President Donald Trump calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the build-up to the USA's game with Belgium. Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his perspective from a players' perspective as to the impact the whole episode will have had on the USA's preparations for the game, while Jerry Brewer, senior columnist for The Athletic gives his view on the damage the controversy will have on soccer in the USA as well as US Soccer. Host: Ian Irving With: Cerys Jones, Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon Featuring: Tim Howard and Jerry Brewer Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Jay Beale and Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.