Zohran Mamdani Would Get 'In Trouble' If He Shared Real Thoughts On Folarin Balogun Controversy
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has weighed in on the FIFA World Cup, Folarin Balogun controversy on Monday morning.
It was pointed out that Mamdani was one of the notable politicians yet to weigh in on FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's red card ahead of Monday night's Round of 16 match between the U.S. and Belgium. Balogun was hit with a very controversial red card in a Round of 32 win over Bosnia. However, the red card has since been suspended upon review, allowing Balogun to play.
The Mayor of New York City joked that he would get in big trouble if he said what he really thought about the decision.
FIFA, meanwhile, is standing by the decision.
FIFA President releases statement on the ruling
FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement, standing by the ruling.
"I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA's governance.
"FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.
"Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.
"I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.
"What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times."
Kickoff on Monday night is set for 8 p.m. E.T.
The game will air on FOX.
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 9:54 AM.