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nitpicked

(2,053 posts)
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:47 PM 4 hrs ago

Trump May Have Just Broken the World Cup

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-fifa-world-cup-usmnt-folarin-balogun-suspension-intervention-live-updates.html

It was of course inevitable that a World Cup hosted by the U.S. while FIFA’s first and only peace prize winner Donald Trump is president would involve some precedent-shattering political intervention which outraged the world, and now it’s happened. Over the weekend, FIFA rescinded the automatic suspension of the USMNT’s top scoring player, striker Folarin Balogun, following a pressure campaign by the White House and Trump — who personally spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter. Balogun received a controversial red card, following a VAR review, during America’s Round-of-32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was thus supposed to be automatically barred from playing in the next game in the tournament. FIFA swears the extraordinary reversal wasn’t politically influenced, but everyone else is far from convinced. The move has not only called into question the legitimacy of the U.S. team, but the integrity of this year’s tournament and (once again) of FIFA, itself.
(snip)
69 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Trump May Have Just Broken the World Cup (Original Post) nitpicked 4 hrs ago OP
Oy! justaprogressive 4 hrs ago #1
He won't accept the results of anything. Elections, races, court cases Walleye 4 hrs ago #2
"yes means yes no means may be." every rapist. rampartd 4 hrs ago #4
according to Justice Bret, Codifer 2 hrs ago #57
One thing he quickly accepted: A gold ring from the Belgian diamond industry. It allegorical oracle 2 hrs ago #64
What a Putz thomski64 4 hrs ago #3
Spain did look really sharp, like a sleeper team. dem4decades 4 hrs ago #7
Wow, the C word on DU maxsolomon 3 hrs ago #22
It has become more common, unfortunately sarisataka 3 hrs ago #23
It's no worse than the name T****. The Madcap 3 hrs ago #30
His name is not misogynistic sarisataka 3 hrs ago #33
That is true, but he will destroy our country. The Madcap 3 hrs ago #34
Still does not justify female slurs on DU sarisataka 3 hrs ago #35
That is true The Madcap 3 hrs ago #37
How is it different from calling T an asshole? Another Jackalope 3 hrs ago #42
Most American women I know put it among the vilest of slurs sarisataka 3 hrs ago #44
Despite my trollish comment, I do understand your reaction. I never use the word. Another Jackalope 2 hrs ago #53
D'accord sarisataka 2 hrs ago #55
Thank you. Another Jackalope 2 hrs ago #56
Eye roll pattyloutwo 2 hrs ago #60
You went there orangecrush 1 hr ago #66
Should be removed in my opinion pattyloutwo 2 hrs ago #58
Per DU rules I cannot say sarisataka 2 hrs ago #62
Outside the U. S. and Canada, the word is used as a slightly less taboo insult for a stupid or unpleasant person. Galraedia 2 hrs ago #61
Oh, I'm quite aware. maxsolomon 2 hrs ago #63
I would substitute, Wednesdays 1 hr ago #69
But there is no B in Nimrod NBachers 2 hrs ago #54
Among the players there seems to be consensus that the Red Card was a mistake. 31j20b3 4 hrs ago #5
doesn't matter, now that the orange nazi got involved anything our team accomplishes from now on ImNotGod 4 hrs ago #10
Maybe. Trump's intervention was a terrible thing for sports 31j20b3 4 hrs ago #16
Is that supported by anything other than wishful thinking? EdmondDantes_ 3 hrs ago #20
You might be surprised... bleedingulcers 3 hrs ago #38
The red card may have been a mistake Old Crank 3 hrs ago #47
Questionable calls are part of the game, as is an appeal process that doesn't involve political figures. nt wiggs 1 hr ago #67
ETTD RandomNumbers 4 hrs ago #6
Proven more and more every day not fooled 3 hrs ago #24
I havent watched a second of European kickball Boo1 4 hrs ago #8
Messi's foul was far more egregious and even looked intentional, but he didn't even get a whistle. Wanderlust988 4 hrs ago #9
That's not the point! maxrandb 3 hrs ago #21
Balogun's words after the game and before the reversal: Ponietz 3 hrs ago #40
The US should be automatically disqualified by rules and the fraudulent FIFA and its corruption JT45242 4 hrs ago #11
FIFA has never been circumspect in following its own rules. TomSlick 4 hrs ago #17
The guy never should have taken Trump's call. vanlassie 3 hrs ago #26
Yep FIFA and the IOC are as corrupt as the trump crime family JT45242 2 hrs ago #52
Let's start with the bogus FIFA Peace Prize.. agingdem 4 hrs ago #12
Rumor is they are adding two handles to the World Cup Trophy so little Donny can hold it Blue Owl 4 hrs ago #13
White House website (BOGUS) usonian 4 hrs ago #14
He breaks everything else so does anyone care? mdbl 4 hrs ago #15
he couldn't stand all the attention the WC was getting Skittles 4 hrs ago #18
The World Cup should be boycotted Grim Chieftain 3 hrs ago #19
Let me guess you have not watched the World Cup before have you? sarisataka 3 hrs ago #27
Well, you're wrong, but thanks for sharing Grim Chieftain 3 hrs ago #41
NP sarisataka 3 hrs ago #46
Tough times, nerves are raw, no offense intended Grim Chieftain 3 hrs ago #48
None taken sarisataka 2 hrs ago #49
The World Cup will be fine sarisataka 3 hrs ago #25
FIFA (as well as the international olympic committee) shoudldboth be disbanded moonshinegnomie 3 hrs ago #29
I believe they should be reformed as the sports do need governing bodies sarisataka 3 hrs ago #31
This is Trump's basic MO for everything in his life. ananda 3 hrs ago #28
This could be his Jesse Owens moment. The Madcap 3 hrs ago #32
For soccer lovers, like we are, the World Cup has been a welcome respite from... 3catwoman3 3 hrs ago #36
Yeah, well, anyone going to do anything about it? Initech 3 hrs ago #39
Yup... NEXT UP... 2naSalit 3 hrs ago #43
Add it to the list ChicagoTeamster 3 hrs ago #45
It's easy to blame Trump, but doesn't FIFA have a vote? Do they HAVE to submit to him? Don't they bear some Fil1957 2 hrs ago #50
The fucker couldn't help himself. Music Man 2 hrs ago #51
What else can we expect from the FIFA ass-kissers who gave Trump a "Peace Prize?" Martin68 2 hrs ago #59
Sure, you bet FIFA. BradBo 2 hrs ago #65
Stay in your lane trump WorkDoctor 1 hr ago #68

Walleye

(45,889 posts)
2. He won't accept the results of anything. Elections, races, court cases
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:56 PM
4 hrs ago

We can’t even except when a woman says she can’t stand him. Rejection is tough on the poor boy.

allegorical oracle

(6,744 posts)
64. One thing he quickly accepted: A gold ring from the Belgian diamond industry. It
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:39 PM
2 hrs ago

is encrusted with 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and six rubies. The top of the ring is the size of a watch face. His tiny little finger will be weighted down.

thomski64

(1,018 posts)
3. What a Putz
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 12:59 PM
4 hrs ago

..if the US team loses, as it surely will, if not to Belgium then to Spain.
Will the cunt of mostly Crisco have his Neanderthal hordes storm the stadium and smear feces??
What a numbskull (a lot people don't know there's a B in numbskull)

Another Jackalope

(228 posts)
42. How is it different from calling T an asshole?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:35 PM
3 hrs ago

They're both slang terms for part of the anatomy. How did one become quasi-acceptable and the other not?
Should I remove my reference to Trump being an asshole?

Given the efforts of womyn to reclaim the "c" word, I think objecting to it may be more misogynistic than using it in the first place. But I'm cis-male, and so have less right to opinions on such matters.

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
44. Most American women I know put it among the vilest of slurs
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:43 PM
3 hrs ago

And find it very offensive, regardless, whom it is directed at. Much like when homophobic slayers are directed at Republicans and it is justified because of the target. My family, who is LGBTQ find that offensive and homophobic.

YMMV

But it is a free country you can direct any slur at any person you want. I also have the right to judge the use of such slurs.

Another Jackalope

(228 posts)
53. Despite my trollish comment, I do understand your reaction. I never use the word.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:59 PM
2 hrs ago

Linguistic interpretation is primarily cultural and secondarily personal, IMO. I've had others object when I referred to Trump as an "orange shitgibbon" because of their respect for those other primates. As another example, I find the use of the word "pig" to refer to men in general to be extremely offensive. I find the c word more off-colour than offensive, but that's just me. Out of respect for others' sensitivities, I just don't use it. There are more generally acceptable ways of making the underlying point.

I'm sorry if my position upsets you.

pattyloutwo

(566 posts)
60. Eye roll
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:20 PM
2 hrs ago

Especially your spelling of “women.” I didn't know I was reclaiming the c word. Yes, you know a lot about this issue 🙄

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
62. Per DU rules I cannot say
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:29 PM
2 hrs ago

I was on a jury and voted to hide, but hypothetically if I was on such a jury I know what I would have voted.

Galraedia

(5,338 posts)
61. Outside the U. S. and Canada, the word is used as a slightly less taboo insult for a stupid or unpleasant person.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 03:21 PM
2 hrs ago

31j20b3

(187 posts)
5. Among the players there seems to be consensus that the Red Card was a mistake.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:00 PM
4 hrs ago

Sour grapes not withstanding, it seems FIFA is perched to survive this.

ImNotGod

(1,346 posts)
10. doesn't matter, now that the orange nazi got involved anything our team accomplishes from now on
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:10 PM
4 hrs ago

will be forfeit in the eyes by the entire world.

31j20b3

(187 posts)
16. Maybe. Trump's intervention was a terrible thing for sports
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:43 PM
4 hrs ago

But I've listened to many commentaries on this, and the common message, perhaps pushed by a corrupt FIFA leadership, is that there was agreement among players and coaches that the red card was a bad call.

I don't really care about soccer/football or any other sport to see it move it into a political domain. Mostly I think it's Trump faking power and influence when the shaky reality of the call was already understood within the players and teams

EdmondDantes_

(2,307 posts)
20. Is that supported by anything other than wishful thinking?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:59 PM
3 hrs ago

Is anything England accomplishes forfeit because Starmer helped stop an earlier start for the Mexico game? Or is it just that you hate Trump that he lives rent free in your head and you can't imagine that other people aren't so consumed by him. I get it, he sucks. But most of the rest of the world isn't nearly as consumed by him as too many of us are. If FIFA sending the World Cup to Russia and Qatar didn't diminish the World Cup, neither is Trump whining and getting a suspension suspended isn't going to do it

bleedingulcers

(90 posts)
38. You might be surprised...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:26 PM
3 hrs ago

by how much other countries focus on him. Look at any international newspaper online and see how often he's mentioned. And then VISIT somewhere, and see what people say to you as soon as they realize that you're from the US.
They're obsessed with him, and they think that we're idiots for electing him again...

Old Crank

(7,463 posts)
47. The red card may have been a mistake
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:46 PM
3 hrs ago

Probably should have been a caution. The player accepted it and the coach.
FIFA has done this before, vacating punishment for a red card. For Christiano Ronaldo. He had 2 games of suspension removed.
That set a precedent.
The biggest problem is the real or perceived interference by Trump. That is what is so bad about this in my opinion. Infanti could have said I talked to a bunch of officials, referees and we thought the decision was too harsh. Then agree or not people would move on.
Having Trump, seemingly, in a public manner put the squeeze on changes the equation. Not for the better.

wiggs

(8,883 posts)
67. Questionable calls are part of the game, as is an appeal process that doesn't involve political figures. nt
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:00 PM
1 hr ago

Boo1

(679 posts)
8. I havent watched a second of European kickball
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:07 PM
4 hrs ago

But wasnt everyone pissed off that he shouldnt have had the red card in the first place?

Wanderlust988

(806 posts)
9. Messi's foul was far more egregious and even looked intentional, but he didn't even get a whistle.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:07 PM
4 hrs ago

Balogun only got the red card cause he's black. Yes I said it. The soccer rules are not applied equally. Everyone knows this. Nothing is fair in soccer. So what's good for the goose is good for gander.

maxrandb

(17,573 posts)
21. That's not the point!
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:01 PM
3 hrs ago

The point is, you accept the outcome. Your dad doesn't call the league to get a reversal.

I watch a lot of sports. There are missed calls and bad calls in every game. It's part of the game, and it happens all the time.

Part of being a mature adult, is accepting the rules you've agreed to and accepting the fact that things don't always go your way. You dust yourself off, move on, and accept that sometimes the cookie crumbles your way, and sometimes it doesn't.

This is just one more example that Donnie Dipshit and his fucking MAGAts don't think the rules apply to them.

If Balogun plays, he's no different than the lowest MAGAt Proud Boy out there.

Ponietz

(4,710 posts)
40. Balogun's words after the game and before the reversal:
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:29 PM
3 hrs ago
“I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,” Balogun said. “There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust.”


He didn’t cry or complain. To equate Balogun with MAGA is deluded and infantile.

JT45242

(4,257 posts)
11. The US should be automatically disqualified by rules and the fraudulent FIFA and its corruption
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:12 PM
4 hrs ago

It's literally in the rules -- political pressure is an automatic DQ for that country.

TomSlick

(13,143 posts)
17. FIFA has never been circumspect in following its own rules.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:44 PM
4 hrs ago

FIFA is a law unto itself.

JT45242

(4,257 posts)
52. Yep FIFA and the IOC are as corrupt as the trump crime family
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:55 PM
2 hrs ago

Sickening that the two largest international sporting events are basically criminal organizations that are open for bribes.

agingdem

(9,065 posts)
12. Let's start with the bogus FIFA Peace Prize..
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:14 PM
4 hrs ago

FIFA was “buying” Trump’s silence…allow the games to go on without Trump’s psychotic need to sabotage hosting blue state cities…but regardless the right or wrong of Balogun’s red card suspension, Trump (the apex of corruption) calling in a favor and FIFA (under scrutiny for ethics complaints) honoring that favor, poisoned the one grand event that brought the us together as a nation..

Blue Owl

(60,208 posts)
13. Rumor is they are adding two handles to the World Cup Trophy so little Donny can hold it
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:28 PM
4 hrs ago

Like his little sippy cup of warm milk

Grim Chieftain

(2,380 posts)
19. The World Cup should be boycotted
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 01:49 PM
3 hrs ago

He is tampering with the ruling to suit himself and effect a favorable outcome. The event has been tainted by his interference and people should send a very clear message that this will not be tolerated.

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
27. Let me guess you have not watched the World Cup before have you?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:14 PM
3 hrs ago

There has long been scandals in cheating in various matches. In certain areas of the world, it is tacitly accepted that if you don’t get caught it is legal. The France versus Paraguay match was an excellent example of that attitude; had Paraguay won they would not have disqualified themselves for their actions in the match.

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
49. None taken
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:48 PM
2 hrs ago

It’s like trash talk during the game and then everyone goes out for a beer afterwards

Although thinking about it, I should give myself a yellow card for unsporting behavior, and trash talking

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
25. The World Cup will be fine
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:11 PM
3 hrs ago

It has endured scandals and cheating (I’m looking at you, Maradona) in the past this will be a footnote, but ultimately this scandal will be small potatoes.

moonshinegnomie

(4,182 posts)
29. FIFA (as well as the international olympic committee) shoudldboth be disbanded
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:15 PM
3 hrs ago

they are both nothing more than corrupt organizatons the exist to make their leadership rich thru corruption

sarisataka

(23,122 posts)
31. I believe they should be reformed as the sports do need governing bodies
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:18 PM
3 hrs ago

But given the amount of money involved in both venues, I fear corruption would simply re-emerge.

The ironic thing is this FIFA is still better than it was under Sepp Blatter. SMH

ananda

(35,910 posts)
28. This is Trump's basic MO for everything in his life.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:15 PM
3 hrs ago

No matter who, what, or where... Trump will
claim it to own, fuck it up, and proclaim victory
and excellence for his part and blame something
or someone else for the fuckup.

3catwoman3

(30,330 posts)
36. For soccer lovers, like we are, the World Cup has been a welcome respite from...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:23 PM
3 hrs ago

...all the crap that it always in the news about Trump.

Now he has ruined even that.

Initech

(109,756 posts)
39. Yeah, well, anyone going to do anything about it?
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:28 PM
3 hrs ago

I'm so sick of the fucking man child getting everything he wants. Enough is enough.

2naSalit

(105,167 posts)
43. Yup... NEXT UP...
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:43 PM
3 hrs ago

The Olympics.

You just know he'll fuck that up too, especially if he can't make it all about himself.

Fil1957

(984 posts)
50. It's easy to blame Trump, but doesn't FIFA have a vote? Do they HAVE to submit to him? Don't they bear some
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:50 PM
2 hrs ago

responsibility? Perhaps the most? If no one knuckles under to Trump, his power is greatly diminished. People and organizations that do, are at least partly to mostly responsible for this disastrous presidency.

After all, Trump is just being Trump and doesn't know any better. It's up to the adults in the room to curb him, because they SHOULD know better.

Music Man

(1,682 posts)
51. The fucker couldn't help himself.
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 02:54 PM
2 hrs ago

It's been a fun, joyous World Cup, and then he just had to inject himself into it. It was inevitable. He is the dumbest, most brutish embarrassment.

Even the press conference today. He was going on and on about how much he knows about sports but then says he started hearing about what a big deal a red card is. A goddman, fucking embarrassment of a man and president.

WorkDoctor

(83 posts)
68. Stay in your lane trump
Mon Jul 6, 2026, 04:14 PM
1 hr ago

He broke the USFL years ago, nearly jinxed the Knicks, and now calls up his buddy who gave him his fake trophy (after nearly stealing the REAL World Cup trophy brought to the oval bordello).

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