FIFA lifts US striker Balogun's red-card ban after presidential request, sparking controversy
FIFA suspended the one-match ban for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following a call from President Donald Trump, prompting criticism from Belgium, UEFA and former officials who say the move undermines tournament rules.
FIFA announced on Sunday that the automatic one-match suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been suspended, allowing him to play in Monday's round-of-16 match with Belgium. The decision came after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review of the incident.
Balogun, who has scored three goals for the co-hosts, received the red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. While some observers considered the dismissal justified, others argued the contact was accidental. The U.S. Soccer Federation declined to comment, and Balogun posted a celebratory image on social media.
The reversal was justified by FIFA under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which permits a disciplinary body to suspend the implementation of a sanction. Critics, including the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) and UEFA, said the move contravened Article 66.4 of the code and the competition regulations that mandate an automatic suspension after a direct red card. The RBFA described the decision as “astonishing” and said it was reviewing its options, while UEFA called the action “unprecedented” and “unjustifiable.”
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter warned that political interference threatens the sport’s integrity, stating that red cards should be overturned only by evidence and independent bodies. Several coaches and former players, such as Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and England coach Thomas Tuchel, expressed concern that the precedent could affect future disciplinary decisions.
Infantino confirmed he had received Trump’s call, noting that he regularly discusses World Cup matters with heads of state but maintains that any review is carried out by independent panels. The Belgian federation’s appeal to obtain a detailed explanation was rejected by FIFA as inadmissible.
The episode marks the first time since the 1962 World Cup that a red card has not resulted in a suspension, reviving debate over FIFA’s disciplinary procedures and the influence of political actors on sport.