The controversy involving Donald Trump, FIFA and Folarin Balogun will be remembered as one of the stories of the World Cup, and it’s still on everyone’s mind as we approach the tournament’s end.
If you’ve been living under a rock, it was Trump’s admission that he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the leadup to the unprecedented decision to suspend the US striker’s one-game ban and allow him to play against Belgium.
It did not go down well with most in the footballing world.
But now, Fulham’s Joachim Andersen has asked for similar treatment, as he faces missing the first fixture of the Premier League season.
Joachim Andersen asks for Folarin Balogun treatment from Donald Trump
Andersen doesn’t mind the bending of the rules, if he can benefit as well. Previewing the upcoming Premier League season, the Dane talked about the ban he’s carrying over from last season, when he picked up a red card for serious foul play.
He has served two of the three-match ban, which carries over to opening day.
In an interview for the Fulham website, he remarked: “Yeah, I think it’s a bit harsh that I miss the first game, but that’s how it is, that’s how the rules are.
“Maybe I need to call Donald to help me a little bit, but I don’t think that’s possible.”
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It wouldn’t be the first time Andersen sees a ban removed. Back in December of 2020 during his first spell at Craven Cottage, he had a red card rescinded on appeal. On that occasion, it was determined that Callum Wilson had simulated contact in the box.
With the Bournemouth incident, there was no mistake made.
The allegations against Infantino and Trump have been firmly denied — well, by FIFA anyway. The US president practically bragged about his involvement.
Still, you’d imagine he wants to stay away from soccer after this crazy World Cup comes to an end.
Andersen will just have to take this one on the chin.
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