FIFA Bows to Trump, Suspends Balogun Red Card
USA Striker Cleared for Belgium Clash
FIFA has suspended the red card handed to USA striker Folarin Balogun in the round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina, making him eligible to face Belgium in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
In a statement, FIFA explained that under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, the automatic suspension has been deferred for a probationary period of one year.
This means Balogun, who scored the opening goal in USA’s 2-0 victory before being sent off in the 64th minute, will be available for Monday night’s clash in Seattle.
The decision sparked immediate controversy. Belgium’s federation expressed ‘astonishment’ and cited Article 66.4 of the same code, which stipulates that a red card automatically results in suspension for the next match.
They argued the ruling contradicts World Cup competition regulations.
Reports also confirmed that the White House contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident. President Donald Trump celebrated the reversal, calling it ‘a great injustice’ that had been corrected.
USA Soccer welcomed the ruling, stating: ‘We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.’
Balogun himself posted on social media with Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ playing over a photo of him with USA fans, while teammate Chris Richards admitted players initially thought the news was ‘AI-generated’ when it appeared on social media during their bus ride to training.
The ruling adds to a long history of controversial disciplinary decisions at World Cups, including Garrincha’s reprieve in 1962 and more recent deferrals for Cristiano Ronaldo, Nicolás Otamendi, and Moisés Caicedo.
