Klopp slams ‘madness’ of reported Trump-Infantino talks over Balogun ban: ‘It calls everything into question’

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has weighed in on reports that U.S. President Donald Trump approached FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reconsider the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun. “If Trump and Infantino really made a deal about this, it’s madness – it calls everything into question,” Klopp said. “Football should never be influenced by political power like that. It shakes the very foundation of the sport.” The 21-year-old Monaco forward was handed a lengthy ban for a regulatory breach, and according to Western media, Trump personally intervened, asking Infantino to overturn or reduce the punishment. Klopp, now enjoying a break from management, added: “I hope this is just a rumour. But if it’s true, it’s not just a scandal – it’s a blow to the integrity of global football. We cannot allow that.”