Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced an unexpected query on Monday morning but seemed ready with a response.
Entering a meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna at the State Department, Rubio was approached by a reporter during the introductory handshake between the officials.
“Mr. Secretary, what’s your reaction to FIFA reversing the red card suspension after pressure?” questioned an off-camera voice.
Contrary to some reports, there was no external pressure involved. Earlier, President Trump revealed in an Oval Office session that he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card that sidelined Folarin Balogun, a key player for the U.S. Men’s National Team, during a pivotal World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun faced suspension from playing in the next round against Belgium due to the card. Though Trump believed the decision was flawed and warranted review, Infantino made it clear that FIFA’s independent judicial bodies hold authority in such matters and final decisions are beyond his purview.