US Striker Balogun Cleared to Play Against Belgium After FIFA Suspends Red Card Ban
US striker Folarin Balogun received a red card following a hard foul against Tarik Muharemovic. However, he is still permitted to play in the round of 16 against Belgium—FIFA has suspended the ban on probation. Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA unexpectedly lifted the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun on Sunday. The 25-year-old was sent off in the round of 32 during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, following a kick to the heel of opponent Tarik Muharemovic, after a VAR review by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus. Typically, a dismissal results in an automatic suspension for at least one match. Balogun is now permitted to appear in the round of 16 against Belgium this Tuesday (2:00 AM CEST) at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Call from the White House?
Media reports regarding the circumstances of the decision have added further controversy. As “The Athletic” and the AP news agency have both reported, US President Donald Trump allegedly personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for the suspension to be lifted. Several sources familiar with the matter have confirmed the sequence of events. Neither FIFA nor the White House has commented on the matter so far.
Trump himself reacted immediately in public: on his Truth Social platform, he thanked FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a “great injustice.” The US President, who has not yet attended any World Cup matches in the stadium, is expected at the latest for the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, near New York.
FIFA cites Article 27
FIFA justified its decision by citing Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, which allows for the execution of a disciplinary measure to be suspended in whole or in part. Accordingly, Balogun’s suspension has been suspended on probation for one year. Should the attacker commit another offense of similar nature and severity during this period, the sanction will be enforced.
There is a precedent for the application of the probation clause: last year, FIFA suspended the final two matches of a three-match ban for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, which had been imposed following a dismissal in the penultimate qualifying match against Ireland. This allowed Ronaldo to participate in his team’s opening World Cup matches. The crucial difference: Ronaldo’s suspension was merely shortened—he had to sit out one match. In Balogun’s case, it is de facto completely lifted. The full suspension of a red card ban is a first for this tournament.
Belgium claims contradiction with the regulations
The decision caused astonishment—and sharp criticism—from the upcoming opponent. The Belgian Football Association announced that it is exploring all options to protect the rights of all participating teams and uphold the fundamental principles of fair play. The Belgians are citing Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code as well as Article 10.5 of the tournament regulations. According to both provisions, a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match—as has been the case with all previous dismissals in this World Cup. Consequently, the FIFA decision is in direct contradiction to the existing regulations.
Belgium’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, commented on the matter with biting sarcasm: He said he had not known that July 5 had apparently been declared April Fools’ Day for this World Cup, the Frenchman told reporters.
USA can field full-strength lineup
From the perspective of the US team, the decision is of significant sporting importance. Alongside Christian Pulisic, Balogun is considered the team’s most important attacking player. US coach Mauricio Pochettino had criticized the dismissal as excessive from the start: for him, it was never a red card, as there was no intent involved. With the suspension lifted, Pochettino can rely on his full-strength lineup for the round of 16 against Belgium.
Whether the matter is closed remains to be seen. Should Belgium actually take legal action, the Balogun case could occupy the tournament for even longer—and raise the question of how independent FIFA’s disciplinary jurisdiction operates during this World Cup, hosted in the US President’s home country.
