FIFA has suspended the automatic one-match red-card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium on Monday. The decision follows an unprecedented intervention by President Donald Trump, who personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the sanction. Balogun had originally received a straight red card during America's 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
President Trump described the referee's call as horrible, claiming the incident was simply two athletes colliding at full speed and not an actual foul. While Trump insisted he did not pressure FIFA or tell them what to do, he stated it was important for the U.S. team to have its best players on the field. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the discussion but emphasized that decisions are made by independent judicial bodies. FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code to justify suspending the ban for a probationary period of one year.
The move has sparked an angry response from Belgium, which called the decision incomprehensible and a blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport. The Royal Belgian Football Association sought an explanation and a copy of the decision from FIFA, but the governing body rejected the request, treating it as an inadmissible appeal. Despite the outcry from Belgium and other commentators, Balogun remains eligible for Monday night's clash.