13 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

I did not agree with the red card penalty reversal, but it was nothing new. The hypocrisy of the critics is ridiculous.

In November 2025, FIFA did the same thing for Cristiano Ronaldo, with the difference that Ronaldo was under a more severe penalty. Ronaldo was given a 3 match suspension after elbowing Dara O'Shea of Ireland, as per the FIFA rules, during Portugal's 2-0 qualifying loss. The disciplinary committee then reduced the suspension by 2/3.

No one a fuss over that adjustment. Double standard? This demonstrates that the current concept of international sports associations and tournaments is corrupt.

I did not agree with reversing either Balogun's or Ronaldo's punishments, but the circumstances are completely different.

Firstly, unlike Balogun Ronaldo was actually suspended for one game (yes, it should have been three). Secondly, and most importantly, the appeal was lodged by the Portuguese FA; the Portuguese PM did not phone Infantino to try to get the suspension rescinded.

Your suggestion of hypocrisy is completely misplaced.

You're spot on, Jerry. This was so completely unnecessary.

You've earned that and then some, Belgians.

Some of these political cartoonists are just next level.😂

Okay, let's move on.

36 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Okay, let's move on.

Would that be to his next own goal and red card?

Low value posts have been removed:

13. Low-Value Posts - Posts that add no written contribution are not allowed.

    This includes emoji-only replies, very short comments, memes, GIFs, screenshots, or embedded social media posts without explanation or opinion.

On 7/7/2026 at 6:45 AM, Mavideol said:

was under the assumption that personal disrespectful attacks were not allowed.... are you having a bad day

It seems like you are overlooking most comments on this site.

NATO leaders dodge World Cup talk to keep Trump on side (onside)

NATO leaders are reportedly steering clear of World Cup banter with Donald Trump as they seek to avoid unnecessary friction with the US president during a critical summit focused on the alliance's future.

The informal strategy reflects growing concern among European capitals that personal tensions could overshadow high-stakes discussions on defence spending, military commitments and transatlantic unity.

Diplomacy Before Football

Officials said leaders discussed on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara the importance of keeping Trump engaged as allies push ahead with plans to strengthen Europe's contribution to the alliance.

European governments have sought to reassure Washington that they are increasing defence investment, with members working towards spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. The aim is to demonstrate that Europe is taking greater responsibility for its own security.

Belgium Keeps the Scoreline Quiet

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever openly acknowledged he would not raise Belgium's 4-1 World Cup victory over the United States unless Trump mentioned it first.

De Wever joked that the US president has a reputation for reacting badly to setbacks and suggested the defeat could still be a sensitive subject. Belgian players had also mocked Trump's trademark dance celebration after scoring during the match, adding another layer of political awkwardness.

Football Meets High Politics

The summit follows controversy after Trump reportedly asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review a red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun, hoping he could return for the match against Belgium.

Trump has not publicly commented on the American team's elimination, but European leaders appear unwilling to risk turning football into a diplomatic distraction while NATO faces pressing security challenges.

Unity Takes Priority

Away from the delicate balancing act with Trump, leaders continued to mix politics with sporting humour. Prime Minister Keir Starmer joked to Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre that England only wins the World Cup under Labour governments as the pair met wearing their national team shirts.

Despite the light-hearted exchanges, the overriding message from Ankara was one of caution. With defence, Ukraine and alliance cohesion dominating the agenda, few leaders appear willing to let football derail a summit carrying far greater geopolitical stakes.

NATO leaders agree not to mention World Cup to Donald Trump to avoid irritating him

33 minutes ago, bannork said:

Belgian players had also mocked Trump's trademark dance celebration after scoring during the match, adding another layer of political awkwardness.

Belgian players humiliate Trump after scoring the final goal.

10 hours ago, RayC said:

I did not agree with reversing either Balogun's or Ronaldo's punishments, but the circumstances are completely different.

Firstly, unlike Balogun Ronaldo was actually suspended for one game (yes, it should have been three). Secondly, and most importantly, the appeal was lodged by the Portuguese FA; the Portuguese PM did not phone Infantino to try to get the suspension rescinded.

Your suggestion of hypocrisy is completely misplaced.

So what if Trump called? FIFA could have refused to take the call or it could have said no. You don't know what went on behind the scenes with Portugal. Ronaldo's offence was far more serious than Baloguns, and the only reason 1 game was served was because the appeal was late in being filed and there were 3 games that applied. It is hypocrisy to pick one event and not the other.

The reality is that the Football federations are corrupt. This is a business, not a charity. FIFA will do whatever needs to be done to maximize profit. How quickly the allegations of bribery and payoffs that marred the selection of the last WC site have been forgotten. World Cup and Olympics are all about making money for private business interests, not sport.

11 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

So what if Trump called? FIFA could have refused to take the call or it could have said no. You don't know what went on behind the scenes with Portugal. Ronaldo's offence was far more serious than Baloguns, and the only reason 1 game was served was because the appeal was late in being filed and there were 3 games that applied. It is hypocrisy to pick one event and not the other.

The reality is that the Football federations are corrupt. This is a business, not a charity. FIFA will do whatever needs to be done to maximize profit. How quickly the allegations of bribery and payoffs that marred the selection of the last WC site have been forgotten. World Cup and Olympics are all about making money for private business interests, not sport.

There is some truth to what you say. Yes, sport is a business. Yes, many football federations are - or at least were - corrupt. Yes, it appears that FIFA would skin a turd for a tanner. Yes, Infantino could (should) have politely told Trump to 'do one'.

However, while the Balogun and Ronaldo incidents share some similarities, they are fundamentally different. You state that the Ronaldo incident was "far more serious". How so? Ronaldo was being held by O'Shea and swung his elbows in an attempt to free himself. Was there intent to hit/ injury O'Shea? No. Did O'Shea suffer significant injuries? No. Did Balogun try to injure the Bosnian player? No. Did the Bosnian player suffer significant injury? No. They are the only similarities.

If the Portuguese FA's appeal was late then why was it allowed? Can you supply a link showing this and that Ronaldo would have faced no punishment if the appeal had been filed on time?

Do I know what goes on behind the scenes at FIFA? Of course not, but neither do you. One thing is pretty clear though. The Portuguese PM did not attempt to influence FIFA. If he had, then this news would have inevitably have found its' way into the press.

However, the main difference between the two incidents is that Ronaldo's occurred during WC qualifying when an appeal process was in place i.e it was possible for national federations to formally appeal against red/ yellow cards. Rightly or wrongly, national federations do not have that option in this tournament. Basically, barring a miscarriage of justice - which imo would be effectively limited to a case of mistaken identity - the decision of the referee should be final and any prescribed punishment applied.

So are Infantino/ FIFA guilty of anything? Sycophancy? Almost certainly, yes. Hypocrisy? Again, almost certainly yes but not in this instance.

Iran taunts USA after World Cup humiliation

Iran has mocked the United States after America's crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended its FIFA World Cup campaign. The stinging response came after a US official had earlier celebrated Iran's own exit, turning football's biggest tournament into another battleground for political sparring.

The latest war of words erupted after the USA's heavy loss to Belgium. A spokesperson for Iran's football federation seized the moment, declaring: "Now the whole world dances to celebrate politics' humiliating defeat to football."

The remark was a direct response to comments made earlier in the tournament by US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Mullin had openly welcomed Iran's elimination from the competition, saying he was delighted to see the team leave the United States.

Iran finished third in its group with three points from three draws, including a 1-1 result against Egypt, ending the stage with a goal difference of zero. The team's exit prompted Mullin to celebrate publicly.

According to the Mirror, Mullin said: "I was so happy when we could revoke their visas and tell them they could leave American soil. I might have sung a song or two and perhaps danced a little jig. I am very happy they are on their way home, because there was no team we had more problems with than them."

After the USA's own elimination, Iran's football federation wasted little time responding. Its spokesperson said the result showed football had triumphed over politics and also referred to an earlier controversy involving USA striker Folarin Balogun.

The spokesperson mentioned allegations that Balogun's red card before the Belgium match had been overturned because of pressure from Donald Trump. The article reports that the claim added another political dimension to the dispute.

But Iran's frustrations during the tournament extended well beyond the verbal exchanges. Team captain Mehdi Taremi described the entire competition as a "disaster World Cup" because of what he said were repeated logistical and administrative obstacles.

Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. Those plans were abandoned, forcing the squad to relocate to Tijuana, Mexico.

The delegation also faced strict travel restrictions. According to the report, the team was only permitted to enter the United States the day before matches and had to leave just hours after the final whistle.

Iran also said several members of its delegation, including key physical trainers and logistical staff, were refused visas. The absences affected the team's preparations and support throughout the tournament.

Speaking to The Athletic, Taremi questioned FIFA's handling of the situation. "It's a disaster World Cup; a disaster," he said. He added that FIFA should have resolved the problems but had failed to do so. Taremi also argued that Iran had not been treated fairly during the competition.

"In our opinion, it's not fair. Is it fair of FIFA? OK, good for them. But it's not fair," he said. "Who will help us? If they want us out, then fine; so let us get out. But it is not fair."

The exchange between Iranian football officials and senior US figures ensured political tensions remained firmly in the spotlight even after both nations had been knocked out of the tournament.

Instead of ending with the final whistle, the dispute continued off the pitch through accusations, counterattacks and public statements from both sides.

The episode highlighted how wider geopolitical tensions followed both teams throughout the competition, with football becoming the backdrop for a much broader political confrontation long after their World Cup dreams had ended.

Iran mocks USA after crushing World Cup exit: "The whole world dances"

59 minutes ago, bannork said:

Iran has mocked the United States after America's crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended its FIFA World Cup campaign

better take cover lol. you will be dancing on rubble.

Trump appears to know next to nothing about soccer , and certainly does not care a whit about pesky rules, but of course he does know how to make everything all about Trump and turn everything he touches into a steaming pile of crap.

Edited July 8Jul 8 by pomchop

The humiliation of the US mens football team continues.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49301582/us-men-women-get-equal-split-16m-world-cup-prize

The US players have to give up half of their pay to the women's team who do not even play until next year!! It's no surprise that they were unmotivated against Belgium. 50% pay gets you 50% effort I guess.

Does this happen in other industries as well in the USA? Do catwalk models have to share their higher pay with their lower paid male counterparts? Is there equal pay in the adult movie business for lower paid men? If not why not?