Donald Trump’s World Cup intervention put politics at the heart of soccer’s biggest tournament, and he could soon make his influence felt in another sport.The US president stepped in to ensure Folarin Balogun was cleared to play in a crunch USMNT knockout fixture against Belgium earlier this month.Trump intervened in the World Cup to get Balogun’s suspension overturned, and could soon turn to MLBGettyBalogun’s one-game ban for a red card picked up in the Round of 32 was suspended by FIFA in an unprecedented decision, which came after Trump’s personal phone call to Gianni Infantino.The affair sparked immediate backlash and become a global talking point in the days that followed.But despite the storm, both Trump and FIFA remain close, and the president will be in New York to hand over the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina.And once the tournament — which has been jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico — is in the rear view, Trump could turn his attention to Major League Baseball next.Donald Trump could intervene in another sport after World Cup controversyThe league’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires in December.As it stands, all signs point to an extended lockout before any agreement on a new one can be reached.The MLB‘s desire for a salary cap and a floor is a big sticking point, which the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) continues to view as a non-starter.Under proposed plans from the league, payroll per team would be hard-capped at $245.3 million, with a floor set at $171.2m.If that figure is implemented, based on current wage bills, eight teams would be required to reduce payroll by a combined $578m.Meanwhile, 12 clubs would be made to increase by a combined $617m to meet the floor. The proposals have been met with defiance from players and agents.A lockout threatens the 2027 MLB season, with the introduction of a salary cap a major sticking pointGettyTrump is a well known baseball fan and believes the lack of a salary cap in the sport is ‘shocking’AFPTrump, a well-known baseball fan, has previously described the lack of salary cap in the sport as ‘shocking’.Donald Trump’s interest in CBA negotiations not surprising, says MLB commissionerWith a 2027 lockout looming, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has suggested the president is ‘interested’ in how negotiations unfold.As he did with the World Cup, Trump could intervene in America’s favorite pastime too.“Look, I think it would be wildly, wildly inappropriate for me to speculate what the president of the United States might do or not do in a hypothetical situation,” Manfred told reporters from this week’s All-Star Game.“We know this. He is a great sports fan and he is really knowledgeable about the business of sports, so it doesn’t surprise me he’s interested.“But beyond that, I’m going to pass.”Commissioner Manfred has suggested Trump’s interest in the lockout is not ‘surprising’GettyWhile Manfred stopped short of confirming Trump could get involved, he didn’t rule it out either.And the president’s intervention at the World Cup earlier this summer would suggest that nothing is off the table.Stay up to date on all things MLB across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.