In an unprecedented diplomatic maneuver involving soccer, American flags, and a hastily organized beachfront photo shoot, former president Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino late Friday to personally petition the overturning of Folarin Balogun’s recent red card—a move many legal scholars are now calling “the boldest play in international relations since Nixon met Elvis.”

“Look, nobody respects the game of football—real football—more than me,” Trump told a group of assembled reporters not invited to the call. “Frankly, I’ve seen bigger dives at my hotels’ swimming pools. This was a witch hunt against Balogun, orchestrated by the global soccer deep state. We want a fair game, not another hoax.”

Senator Marco Rubio, having spent most of the morning Googling what a red card even is, lauded Trump’s intervention. “This is exactly the leadership America needs on the world sporting stage,” Rubio declared. “Without Trump, we’d probably still be playing soccer with our hands, like some sort of European.”

Senator Ted Cruz, who has previously lobbied for FIFA to install a Chick-fil-A in every stadium, also voiced his support. “Donald Trump just got rid of the most unfair red card in history. Next, we’re hoping he can get my fantasy team’s record expunged.”

FIFA officials declined comment, but an anonymous source revealed, “We overturned the red card after Mr. Trump offered free lifetime Mar-a-Lago memberships—and reminded us he has ‘many, many beautiful hotels.’ We’re not saying there was pressure, but the call lasted longer than extra time.”

At press time, US Soccer officials reported that Balogun would be available for America’s match against Belgium, and that all referees would be receiving complimentary MAGA visors in their next welcome packet.