FIFA lifts Balogun’s World Cup suspension after U.S. President’s request
FIFA suspended the one‑game ban imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to be eligible for the United States’ round‑of‑16 match against Belgium. The decision followed a phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and prompted strong reactions from the Belgian Football Association and UEFA.
FIFA announced that it had suspended the one‑game red‑card ban imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to play in the United States’ round‑of‑16 match against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card in the United States’ 2‑0 win over Bosnia‑Herzegovina, which automatically triggered a one‑game suspension.
President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s suspension. After the ban was lifted, Trump thanked FIFA and said the organization had made the right decision.
The Belgian Football Association described FIFA’s decision as astonishing, expressed outrage, and said it would seek legal recourse.
UEFA said that FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban crossed a red line, according to a report by abc_au.
Trump stated that he did not influence the overturning of Balogun’s red‑card suspension, as reported by Politico.
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