UEFA Slams FIFA’s ‘Unjustifiable’ Balogun Decision After Trump Intervention
At a glance
- FIFA has temporarily suspended the one-match ban on United States forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the USA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match…
- Balogun received a red card and an automatic one-match suspension during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2.
- However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has deferred the ban's implementation for one year, making the striker eligible for the knockout fixture on July 7.
Story so far: FIFA has temporarily suspended the one-match ban on United States forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the USA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match… Balogun received a red card and an automatic one-match suspension during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2.
Latest development: United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. Speaking to reporters, Trump described the…
FIFA has temporarily suspended the one-match ban on United States forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the USA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Balogun received a red card and an automatic one-match suspension during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2. However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has deferred the ban’s implementation for one year, making the striker eligible for the knockout fixture on July 7.
According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump had urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red-card decision. Following the announcement, President Trump welcomed the ruling and thanked the world football governing body.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Belgian Football Association, which expressed surprise and stated it was considering legal options. Belgian officials argued the ruling was inconsistent with FIFA’s disciplinary regulations and raised concerns about the governing body’s neutrality.
Balogun’s availability is seen as a significant boost for the United States ahead of the crucial encounter, though the decision has sparked debate within the football community over the consistency of FIFA’s disciplinary process.
Latest Updates
United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the referee’s decision as a “horrible” call and said he did not believe it was a fair foul. “That wasn’t a foul. That was two guys running whole speed that happened to crash into each other,” he stated. Trump added that he only asked for a review and did not tell FIFA what to do, calling the subsequent decision to suspend the card “really brilliant.”
The intervention has reportedly prompted an angry response from Belgium, who are set to play the US in the Round of 16 match.
Sources: Dawn News Business Recorder GEO
The decision to suspend the ban has reportedly become controversial, with available information suggesting an intervention by Donald Trump in the matter.
Sources: GEO
European football body UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, calling the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
In a statement on Monday, UEFA said the decision undermines the integrity of the game. The development came after reports that American President Donald Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the red card, which would have suspended Balogun from the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) stated it was “astonished” by the decision and has lodged an appeal with FIFA.
Sources: Dawn News
Reports have surfaced suggesting a possible connection between a phone call from US President Donald Trump and FIFA’s decision to suspend the player’s ban. However, this claim has not been officially confirmed.
Sources: Capital TV
Following the decision, United States President Donald Trump has publicly thanked FIFA.
Sources: 24 News HD
Responses