– WASHINGTON
FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed on US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, despite him receiving a straight red card in his team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. The red card, issued after a VAR-reviewed foul involving an opponent's ankle, normally carries an automatic suspension under FIFA's disciplinary code. Balogun had scored a goal earlier in the match.
President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card and the resulting suspension. Sources close to the call confirmed that Trump sought clarification on the decision. Following the intervention, FIFA imposed a one-year conditional suspension. Trump later posted on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice." The White House publicly celebrated the outcome.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter strongly criticized the decision, declaring, ‘Red cards are not overturned by political calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies.’ He questioned the move, asking, ‘Where are you going, FIFA?’ and warned that ‘Football must never become a playing field for political power.’ The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at the decision, calling it inconsistent with FIFA rules, and indicated it was exploring legal options, including a possible appeal.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the integrity of FIFA’s disciplinary processes during the 2026 World Cup. Critics argue that the reversal raises questions about political influence in football governance, while defenders of the decision maintain it was based on a proper review. Balogun is expected to feature in the crucial match against Belgium in Seattle.