"I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul," Trump told reporters at the White House. "All I did was ask for a review, I didn't say you have to do this."
"That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other," Trump said.
The Republican president — who said "I understand sports really well" — acknowledged that he was initially unaware that the red card meant Balogun was barred from the next game, saying the rule is "very unfair."
Trump also took aim at Raphael Claus, the Brazilian referee who made the call, describing him as "a little bit suspect if you check his past."
Balogun had been set to miss Monday's last-16 knockout clash against Belgium after receiving a straight red card following a video review for stepping on the foot of a Bosnian defender in a round-of-32 clash that the US won 2-0.
'RIGGED LIKE ELECTION'
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban, which cannot be appealed by the player's team.
But world football's governing body said Sunday the ban would now be suspended for a year after the personal call from Trump.
"We're going to have a full team, and Belgium is going to have a full team, and you know what? If they beat us, then they can be really proud," the US president said Monday.
"The other way, if they beat us… I say it was rigged, just like the election was rigged in 2020," Trump said, referring to his false claims of widespread fraud in the vote he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
The decision to allow Balogun to play has been slammed by Belgian football officials, who released a statement saying they were "astonished" by a move that is in "direct contradiction" with FIFA's own rules.
Top scorer Balogun has been key to the USA's progress in the tournament, scoring three times, and his absence against Belgium would have been a major blow to the team in the upcoming game in Seattle.
The decision to suspend the ban was taken by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
'I asked for a review.' Donald Trump spoke about FIFA's decision to reverse Folarin Balogun's one-game ban after the USA forward received a red card.Live updates: https://t.co/LQ0uTKLMRr pic.twitter.com/oq3hBuUYc6
People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua has defended the proposal to use a scientific formula to determine who will be the United Opposition’s presidential candidate and running mate in the 2027 General Election.In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, Karua denounced claims that no scientific method was used to determine the presidential candidate or their running mate in previous elections.
In the chaotic and high-stakes arena of Kenyan law enforcement, few names carry as much mythical weight as Ali Nuno Dubat. To the rogue elements and criminal syndicates that have terrorized the nation’s urban centers, his name is an absolute death warrant.To ordinary citizens living under the constant shadow of gang violence, extortion, and fear, it represents the final, uncompromising shield of the state.
Kenyan social media personality Pritty Vishy has once again sparked conversation after making fresh claims about her former relationship with rapper Stevo Simple Boy. During an appearance on the Iko Nini Podcast, Pritty alleged that Stevo turned down a KSh1 million influencing deal because he did not want to work alongside her. The revelation has generated significant interest among fans who have continued to follow the former couple’s complicated history long after their breakup. Their relationship has remained a topic of discussion across Kenya’s entertainment scene, with both personalities occasionally addressing their past in interviews. Pritty’s latest remarks have added another chapter to the ongoing public narrative surrounding their relationship and professional lives.
According to Pritty Vishy, Stevo Simple Boy deliberately avoids situations that would require them to be in the same place. While discussing their interactions since their breakup, she claimed that the rapper still holds resentment toward her. She explained that this alleged grudge has affected opportunities that could have benefited both of them professionally. During the podcast interview, Pritty stated, “Hanipendi… ako na grudge na mimi because I broke up with him,” suggesting that their failed relationship continues to influence Stevo’s decisions. Her comments have quickly spread across social media platforms, where fans have been debating whether personal issues should affect business opportunities.
Pritty went on to claim that the influencing deal was worth KSh1 million and would have involved both of them working together on a campaign. According to her account, the opportunity failed to materialize because Stevo allegedly refused to participate once he learned she would be involved. While her version of events has attracted widespread attention, Stevo Simple Boy has not publicly responded to these specific allegations. As a result, the claims currently reflect only Pritty’s perspective as shared during the interview. Without confirmation from the other parties involved, it remains unclear what factors ultimately influenced the reported business decision.
The history between Pritty Vishy and Stevo Simple Boy has often played out in the public eye. During their relationship, the pair frequently appeared together on social media and in interviews, attracting both support and criticism from fans. After their breakup, they each pursued separate career paths while occasionally speaking about their experiences. Their public exchanges have often generated headlines, particularly whenever one of them comments on their past relationship. This continued public interest has ensured that nearly every new statement involving the two personalities receives widespread attention.
Pritty Vishy has worked to establish herself as an influencer, entrepreneur and content creator since gaining public recognition. She regularly shares lifestyle content, brand partnerships and personal updates with her followers across social media platforms. Over the years, she has spoken openly about the challenges of life in the public spotlight, including dealing with criticism and maintaining her personal brand. Despite the controversies that sometimes surround her, she has continued to build a career through digital content and influencer marketing. Her appearance on the Iko Nini Podcast reflects her willingness to discuss both her professional journey and personal experiences.
Stevo Simple Boy, on the other hand, remains one of Kenya’s most recognizable musicians, known for his unique musical style and inspirational messages. His career has included hit songs, major collaborations and numerous public appearances that have earned him a loyal fan base. Beyond his music, Stevo has often made headlines because of his personal life, management changes and business dealings. His supporters continue to admire his humble personality and determination despite facing various challenges throughout his career. The latest claims by Pritty have once again placed him at the center of public discussion, even though he has yet to comment on the matter.
The discussion has also raised broader questions about how personal relationships can affect professional opportunities in the entertainment industry. Brand partnerships often rely on cooperation, trust and a willingness to work with different personalities. If personal disagreements influence business decisions, both individuals and brands may miss out on valuable opportunities. At the same time, every creator has the right to decide which collaborations they feel comfortable accepting. Without hearing from all parties involved, it is impossible to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged KSh1 million deal.
Pritty Vishy’s comments on the Iko Nini Podcast have reignited public interest in her past relationship with Stevo Simple Boy and the lingering tensions she believes still exist between them. Her claim that the rapper rejected a lucrative influencing deal because he did not want to work with her has become a major talking point among fans and entertainment observers. Whether Stevo chooses to respond or not, the story has highlighted how personal history can continue to shape public perception and professional opportunities. As both personalities continue to build their individual careers, many followers will be watching to see whether the situation develops further or remains another unresolved chapter in their shared history. For now, Pritty’s remarks have once again placed one of Kenya’s most talked about former celebrity couples back in the spotlight.
If you’ve been holding off on modding your truck because you’re scared of losing your warranty, you’re not alone. However, the idea that any aftermarket part automatically cancels your coverage is one of the most persistent myths about aftermarket diesel parts.
The campaign team of DCP candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election Kamau Ngotho, has raised serious concerns about what they describe as systematic sidelining by party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Senator John Methu during the ongoing Ol Kalou by-election campaign.Campaign insiders allege that Senator Methu has monopolized nearly every rally, leaving Ngotho with minimal speaking time to introduce himself, articulate his vision, or engage directly with Ol Kalou constituents.
Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid has strongly rejected claims that he posed any security threat during his recent trip to Kenya.Through a statement on June 28, the Deputy Prime Minister dismissed the allegations as false, baseless, and entirely unsupported by any facts on the ground.
Heavy commercial vehicles operating on Kenyan roads are no longer just trucks; they are now legally recognised workplaces under sweeping new government regulations set to take effect from July 1.The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced the 2026 Commercial Vehicles Regulations, fundamentally changing how the law treats lorries, trailers, and other heavy haulage vehicles above 3,048 kilogrammes tare weight.
The principal of Utumishi Girls Academy has been sent on compulsory leave as part of sweeping reforms that paved the way for the school’s reopening more than a month after a dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students.The decision emerged from an eight-hour meeting between parents and officials from the Ministry of Education on Monday, June 29, during which parents agreed to allow learners back to school after initially rejecting reopening plans over unresolved safety concerns.
Wajir, Siaya and Nairobi were among the counties that processed the highest amounts of salaries through manual payroll despite a directive requiring all county governments to migrate to the Human Resource Information System, with a new report showing at least Sh5.19 billion was paid outside the digital platform.
