FIFA lifts Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension after intervention from Donald Trump

FIFA has lifted the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the team's match against Belgium in the World Cup's last 16. This decision came after US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's one-match ban imposed due to a red card received during a match against Bosnia.

Trump's Intervention and FIFA's Response

On Monday, Trump confirmed that he reached out to Infantino following Balogun's red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović. The incident occurred during a 2-0 victory for the US in the round of 32. Trump's call led to FIFA lifting the suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump stated on social media after the announcement. Infantino, however, emphasized that FIFA's disciplinary processes are independent. He noted, “I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies.”

Reactions from Belgium and US Players

The decision to lift Balogun's suspension sparked outrage from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA). Coach Rudi Garcia expressed disbelief, stating, “I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe.” He criticized FIFA's lack of support for the integrity of the national team.

American players, including Christian Pulisic, expressed their views on the red card, with Pulisic stating, “If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all.” The US Soccer Federation confirmed they learned of FIFA's decision through a message sent via FIFA's portal.

Balogun's Performance and Future Prospects

Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament, matched the record for the second-most goals by an American in World Cup history, trailing only Bert Patenaude. Playing for Monaco, he had a successful season in Ligue 1, scoring 13 goals last year. The 25-year-old forward, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, switched his national team allegiance from England to the US in 2023.

• Balogun's red card was seen as one of the World Cup's most controversial decisions.
• The suspension was initially for one match but has now been lifted.
• FIFA's decision includes a probationary period of one year for Balogun.

The US team is aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Following the lifting of the suspension, Balogun shared a celebratory post on social media, hinting at his readiness for the upcoming challenge against Belgium.