The Persistent Myths That Haunt the World Cup
A look at the conspiracy theories that swirl around every World Cup, from political meddling to commercial narratives.
Jul 8, 2026
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Sepp Blatter
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Sepp Blatter across Soccer, Football.
Trump’s FIFA Meddling Sparks Controversy Over Balogun Red Card
A brief intervention by Donald Trump during the USA’s World Cup loss to Belgium has ignited a debate about political pressure on FIFA, the handling of a red‑card controversy involving Folarin Balogun, and the future of Gianni Infantino’s presidency.
Jul 7, 2026
Trump’s Shadow Over Global Sports: From World Cup to Olympics
An examination of Donald Trump's alleged influence on U.S. sports outcomes, from the World Cup to future Olympic Games, and the broader perception of the United States as a pariah.
Jul 7, 2026
FIFA spares Balogun, but controversy over US interference persists
FIFA decided not to suspend Folarin Balogun after a red card, allowing the United States forward to face Belgium, while a Bosnian account called for the team's disqualification amid claims of government meddling.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Call Triggers FIFA’s Overturn of Balogun’s Red Card, Sparking Global Outcry
A red card shown to Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina sparked a diplomatic ripple after US President Donald Trump urged FIFA to review the sanction, leading to a controversial suspension lift that has ignited worldwide debate.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Intervention in Balogun’s Red‑Card Ban Sparks FIFA Ethics Row
A human‑rights watchdog has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of meddling in a controversial red‑card decision involving Folarin Balogun, arguing that the move breaches FIFA’s political neutrality rules and threatens the presidency of Gianni Infantino.
Jul 6, 2026
FIFA Defends Disciplinary Process Amid Trump Praise and Global Backlash
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino confirmed a call with Donald Trump while defending the organization’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red‑card ban, a move condemned by European football bodies and former coaches.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Call to FIFA Alters Ban on U.S. Striker Folarin Balogun
Former president Donald Trump’s phone call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino led to the suspension of a red‑card penalty for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, igniting criticism across the football community.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Call Overturns Balogun’s Red Card, Ignites Global Controversy
The suspension of Folarin Balogun's red‑card ban, prompted by a request from President Donald Trump, has sparked a worldwide backlash, with UEFA, European officials and coaches warning that sport's integrity is at risk.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Call Leads FIFA to Reverse Balogun’s Red‑Card Ban
FIFA cleared forward Folarin Balogun to play after a phone call from former U.S. president Donald Trump, sparking criticism from football bodies and figures worldwide.
Jul 6, 2026
FIFA’s Controversial Decision to Let U.S. Forward Folarin Balogun Play Sparks International Outcry
FIFA's recent ruling to suspend the ban of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun has ignited a global debate over sporting integrity, with European authorities and former stars condemning the move.
Jul 6, 2026
Belgium Challenges FIFA’s Decision to Field Folarin Balogun Amid Political Pressure
Belgium's soccer federation is appealing FIFA's ruling that allows Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup despite a red card, citing political pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and criticism from UEFA.
Jul 6, 2026
FIFA’s U-Turn on Balogun Suspension Sparks International Outcry
FIFA reversed a one‑game suspension for forward Folarin Balogun after a red card in the USMNT's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Belgium appealed the ruling, which may be heard minutes before the U.S. faces Belgium in the Round of 16.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Intervention Lets Balogun Play, Ignites Global Backlash
After U.S. President Donald Trump appealed, FIFA reversed the automatic suspension of forward Folarin Balogun, sparking criticism over political meddling in sport.
Jul 6, 2026
Trump’s Call Leads FIFA to Lift Balogun’s Red‑Card Ban, Sparking Global Criticism
FIFA's reversal of a red‑card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, prompted by a request from President Donald Trump, has ignited a firestorm among football officials, coaches and commentators worldwide.
Jul 6, 2026
FIFA Overturns Red Card Ban for Balogun Amid Political Pressure
FIFA's decision to lift the automatic red‑card suspension for striker Folarin Balogun after a call from President Donald Trump has ignited a global debate on the intersection of politics and football.
Jul 6, 2026
Sunil Gulati’s Vision: How the 2026 World Cup Will Transform U.S. Soccer
A look at the long journey to bring the World Cup back to North America, the reforms sparked by scandal, and the ambitions of Sunil Gulati for the 2026 tournament.
Jun 28, 2026
Heritage and Identity: How Migration Is Redefining the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup showcases a new generation of footballers whose national choices are driven by ancestry, diaspora ties and evolving eligibility rules.
Jun 20, 2026
Heritage and Choice: The New Faces of the 2026 World Cup
A look at the growing number of World Cup players who represent nations tied to their ancestry, family connections, or personal affinity, and the ripple effects on team composition and tournament dynamics.
Jun 20, 2026
Dual Eligibility Dilemmas: How World Cup Stars Choose Their Nations
A look at the growing number of players with multiple national ties who must weigh family roots, personal ambition, and fan expectations when picking a World Cup jersey.
Jun 19, 2026
World Cup Scandals That Reshaped Football Governance
A retrospective on five major controversies that have defined the dark side of the FIFA World Cup and prompted changes in the sport.
Jun 15, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: The Rivalry That Redefined Football
An exploration of how Ronaldo and Messi’s competition reshaped the sport, their commercial impact and the enduring debate over the greatest of all time.
Jun 5, 2026
Infantino’s FIFA Eyes a Bigger World Cup as Revenue Forecasts Soar
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to expand the World Cup to 48 teams reflects a strategic bid to double the revenue of the Paris Olympics, yet critics warn that the federation’s growing power and close ties to autocratic regimes could undermine accountability.
Jun 4, 2026
How John Skipper Secured the World Cup for ESPN
John Skipper’s unlikely journey from a UK‑loving sports fan to the architect of ESPN’s multimillion‑dollar FIFA rights deal reshaped soccer’s profile in the United States.
May 27, 2026