Hindsight is 20/20, but it sure seems like Landon Donovan wishes the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy just played itself out.The USMNT star received a red card in the round of 32 of the World Cup, which initially made him ineligible to play in the next round.However, FIFA decided to suspend the red card, which made Balogun eligible.
President Donald Trump later said he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review, but FIFA claimed it was not influenced by Trump.Nonetheless, the ruling added to what was already a huge controversy, and Donovan said the situation got "out of hand."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMUSA's Landon Donovan celebrates victory at the final whistle at the 2010 World Cup.(EMPICS Sport - PA Images via Getty Images)"I was disappointed...
because it had been a World Cup full of nonpartisanship — people just loving America, loving the flag and loving what they were watching.Then it became very messy, and nobody wanted to see that, because we love the sport.
We loved what we were watching, and the players have since admitted that it became difficult for them," Donovan told Fox News Digital in a recent interview."It tainted what had been an incredible run."The really sad part is that it never should have been a red card, but that is the reality.
It's just disappointing that it got out of control that way.I felt bad for Balogun.
I felt bad for the team, to be honest, and it was very clear that it motivated the Belgian team."The International Olympic Committee recently said it was not investigate Infantino regarding Trump's call to him.President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the FIFA World Cup winner's trophy before handing it over to Spain captain Rodri at the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.(Dan Mullan/Getty Images)IOC DECLINES TO INVESTIGATE GIANNI INFANTINO OVER TRUMP'S ...