Former IFA President Jim Boyce Slams Trump’s Phone Call to FIFA

Former Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce said the personal call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that led to the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red-card decision was unacceptable. Boyce argued that “the president of the United States of America … rang the president of FIFA and a decision should never have been overturned,” emphasizing that sport and politics must remain separate.

The Irish Times

Boyce served as IFA president for 12 years (1995-2007) and held roles with UEFA and FIFA. After a tied vote (23-23) ended his term, he became honorary life president. Outside football, he has been married for 57 years; his wife is now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. He recalls childhood trips to Blackpool and cites Harvey’s Point in Donegal as his favourite Irish spot.

The Irish Times

In the interview, Boyce stressed that “I have never had any interest whatsoever in sectarianism, religion or politics, and I treat everybody the same.” He warned that leaders “should think very, very carefully of how they portray themselves” because careless statements can exacerbate existing tensions in Northern Ireland. Boyce believes Infantino “should have told President Trump to keep out of what was a football matter.”

The Irish Times

Boyce’s comments reflect broader criticism of political interference in sport. He described the Trump call as “very angry” and warned that “people who are in positions of power, they should think very, very carefully of how they portray themselves to the public,” noting that such behavior has “caused a lot of problems that are existing in Northern Ireland.”

The Irish Times

• “rang the president of Fifa and a decision should never have been overturned.” — Jim Boyce, former IFA president

The Irish Times

• “I think that Infantino, who I know and I have known for many, many years, I think he should have told President Trump to keep out of what was a football matter.” — Jim Boyce

The Irish Times

• “I have never had any interest whatsoever in sectarianism, religion or politics, and I treat everybody [the same].” — Jim Boyce

The Irish Times