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FIFA suspends Balogun ban after Trump calls Infantino ahead of Belgium clash

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FIFA suspended striker Folarin Balogun's one-match red card ban after U.S. President Donald Trump personally lobbied FIFA president Giancarlo Infantino, making the U.S. player available for their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

The unprecedented reversal, which if repeated in a probationary period would revoke the suspension, has sparked debate over whether political influence can alter sporting regulations ahead of major international tournaments.

U.S. Media and Officials

U.S. media and officials describe Trump's intervention as a correction of a 'great injustice,' emphasizing that Balogun's red card was a controversial decision that unfairly penalized the U.S. team before a critical World Cup match.

European Coaches

Belgium and Norway coaches condemn FIFA's move as a violation of the 'spirit of the game,' arguing that suspending a suspension undermines competitive integrity and suggests the World Cup is influenced by political lobbying rather than sport rules.

  • FIFA has never suspended a one-match ban before a World Cup knockout game since the tournament began in 1930.
  • Folarin Balogun was born in London but represents the U.S. at the international level.
  • Mauricio Pochettino previously coached both Tottenham and PSG before taking over the U.S. national team in 2024.