FIFA lifts US striker's suspension after Trump appeal sparks global backlash
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FIFA lifts US striker's suspension after Trump appeal sparks global backlash
FIFA overturns suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun allowing him to play Belgium
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FIFA’s decision to lift the one-match suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun after a direct appeal by President Donald Trump has triggered a global backlash, with European football authorities and political leaders accusing the world governing body of bowing to political pressure and undermining the integrity of the World Cup.
On Sunday, FIFA suspended the automatic ban imposed on Balogun, who had been sent off for a tackle on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the Round of 32. The decision, confirmed by FIFA on Monday, allows the 25-year-old Monaco forward to play in the United States’ last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle on Monday evening. The move came after Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card, which the US president described as “horrible” and “unfair.”
Trump, speaking at the White House on Monday, confirmed the call but insisted he had not demanded the suspension be overturned. “I didn’t tell them what to do,” he said. “I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.” He added that the referee’s call was “a little bit suspect” and that the incident was “two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled.”
The intervention has drawn sharp criticism from football’s governing bodies and political leaders. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) described the decision as “incomprehensible” and a “blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport.” The association has lodged an appeal, arguing that FIFA’s move effectively killed any chance for Belgium to challenge the decision. “Regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the RBFA is deeply concerned by the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole,” the RBFA stated.
UEFA, Europe’s football governing body, joined the chorus of condemnation, calling the decision a “red line” that had been crossed. “FIFA crossed a red line by reversing US star striker’s suspension,” the Financial Times reported, quoting UEFA officials. The European Union also weighed in, with Brussels warning that political influence should not shape sporting decisions. “Sport decisions belong to sporting bodies, not politicians,” a European Commission spokesperson said.
Critics argue that FIFA’s reliance on Article 27 of its disciplinary rules—allowing the suspension of disciplinary measures—to justify the U-turn sets a dangerous precedent. The rule states that the judicial body may “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,” but the decision to do so after direct political intervention has raised questions about the autonomy of football’s governing bodies. Former England manager Thomas Tuchel, whose side was also affected by a controversial red card decision, questioned where the line should be drawn. “Where to draw the line is the question that I ask,” Tuchel said. “I have no answer to that.”
FIFA has so far declined to comment further, stating it had “nothing more to add” for now. The decision has overshadowed the World Cup’s final days, with fans and pundits divided over whether the political interference has irreparably damaged the tournament’s credibility. As the United States prepares to face Belgium in a high-stakes encounter, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with the Belgian federation vowing to continue its fight against what it calls a violation of football’s fundamental principles.
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Articles
⚽ 🏆 🇺🇸 President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun, but said he did not request it be overturned ➡️ u.afp.com/SKsU
bluesky_AFP English · about 2 hours ago
Uefa says Fifa crossed line over Balogun – World Cup 2026 live
bluesky_The Guardian · about 2 hours ago
🚨 BREAKING: The European Commission has demanded fair play and transparent competition in sport after a suspension for U.S. star Folarin Balogun was overturned following a call between Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Full story: www.politico.eu/article/eu-f...
bluesky_Politico Europe · about 2 hours ago
Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban President Donald Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Baloguns one-match suspension at the World Cup.
bbc sport · about 2 hours ago
Trump confirme avoir demandé à la Fifa un réexamen du carton rouge de Balogun et qualifie larbitre de "douteux" Donald Trump a confirmé lundi avoir appelé le président de la Fifa Gianni Infantino pour demander un réexamen du carton rouge infligé à lattaquant américain Folarin Balogun, afin quil puisse participer au match contre la Belgique. ...
la libre · about 2 hours ago
Rote-Karte-Skandal: Trump gibt Anruf bei Infantino zu Die Fußball-WM wird in ihren Grundsätzen erschüttert. Der US-Präsident interveniert beim Fifa-Chef, der nach dem Anruf die „Rote Karte für einen US-Spieler aussetzt.
die presse · about 2 hours ago
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der standard · about 2 hours ago
Trump confirms call at centre of red card controversy with massive political consequences President Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun but said he did not request it be overturned. Belgium, who the US will be playing in the quarterfinal, have called the decision incomprehensible and a a blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport. FRANCE 24s Selina Sykes tells us more and whether this could change Belgiums chance of winning.
france24 · about 2 hours ago
USA vs Belgium – World Cup last 16: Trump, Balogun, prediction, start time Lobbying by President Trump and a last-minute U-turn by FIFA stir controversy before the knockout match.
aljazeera · about 2 hours ago
US president Trump defends FIFAs Balogun red card reversal US President Donald Trump defended FIFAs decision to overturn Folarin Baloguns red card suspension.
aljazeera · about 2 hours ago
Not normal: Belgian fans react to FIFAs Balogun red-card U-turn Belgian fans said FIFAs decision to overturn Folarin Baloguns suspension was "not normal" ahead of Belgiums World Cup match against the United States.
euronews · about 2 hours ago
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euronews · about 2 hours ago
EU calls for fair play after Trumps red card intervention rocks World Cup Brussels warns political influence should not shape sporting decisions, as the world governing body suspends ban to let U.S. star Folarin Balogun play against Belgium.
politico.eu · about 2 hours ago
Belgium Expresses Shock After FIFA Lifts U.S. Players Suspension The American striker Folarin Balogun is eligible to play in a World Cup match against Belgium on Monday night after soccer officials reversed his one-game ban.
new york times · about 2 hours ago
Dal cartellino rosso con la faccia di Donald Trump a Gianni Infantino come un cane al guinzaglio. Esplosione di meme sul caso politico della sospensione della squalifica a Folarin Balogun Donald Trump ha confermato di aver parlato con il presidente FIFA Gianni Infantino a proposito del cartellino rosso a Folarin Balogun. Sì lho fatto, ha detto il presidente. Non era un fallo, erano due atleti che si sono scontrati, ha aggiunto il tycoon. Larbitro è un pò sospetto, se guardiamo al suo passato, ha aggiunto […] Larticolo Dal cartellino rosso con la faccia di Donald Trump a Gianni Infantino come un cane al guinzaglio. Esplosione di meme sul caso politico della sospensione della squalifica a Folarin Balogun proviene da Il Fatto Quotidiano.
il fatto quotidiano · about 2 hours ago
Trump erkent dat hij met FIFA-voorzitter Infantino over rode kaart op WK sprak De Amerikaanse president Donald Trump erkent dat hij met FIFA-voorzitter Gianni Infantino over de rode kaart van de Amerikaanse speler Folarin Balogun op het WK voetbal heeft gesproken. Hij vroeg de voorzitter van de wereldvoetbalbond om een "herziening" van de beslissing.
nu.nl · about 2 hours ago
„Schrecklicher Schiedsrichter – Trump gibt Einmischung in die WM zu Donald Trump bestätigt die Meldungen, dass er sich persönlich bei Fifa-Chef Infantino dafür starkgemacht hat, dass die Rote Karte von US-Stürmer Balogun aufgehoben wird. Die Entscheidung sei „unfair gewesen.
welt.de · about 2 hours ago
England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach World Cup quarterfinals England advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane converted a late penalty, despite Jarell Quansahs red card reducing England to 10 men for the final 40 minutes.
yenisafak · about 2 hours ago
Das WM-Tagebuch des Fifa-Präsidenten: Mich können alle anrufen Fifa-Präsident Infantino hat für alle ein offenes Ohr, die den Fußball besser und gerechter machen wollen. Donald Trump gehört fraglos auch dazu. mehr...
taz.de · about 2 hours ago
Skandalentscheidung der Fifa: Entscheidend ist nicht mehr aufm Platz Die Sperre eines US-Spielers wird nach einem Telefonat von Donald Trump mit dem Fifa-Boss aufgehoben. Das ist das Ende des Fußballs, wie wir ihn kannten. mehr...
taz.de · about 2 hours ago
Trump greift bei Fußball-WM ein: „Vielen Dank an die Fifa Die Fifa setzt die Sperre für US-Stürmer Folarin Balogun nach einem Anruf von US-Präsident Trump aus. Die Uefa zeigt sich fassungslos. Die Belgier legen Berufung ein. mehr...
taz.de · about 2 hours ago
Trump bekrefter Fifa-samtaler: – Jeg forstår idrett veldig godt Donald Trump bekrefter telefonsamtale med Fifa-president Gianni Infantino.
aftenposten · about 2 hours ago
Met het terugdraaien van schorsing Amerikaanse topscorer Balogun vestigt Infantino weer de aandacht op FIFAs schijn van partijdigheid Na een telefoontje van Donald Trump zette de FIFA een streep door de schorsing van de Amerikaanse topscorer Folarin Balogun. De voetbalwereld reageerde verbolgen, juist op het moment dat enthousiasme over het WK overheerste.
nrc · about 2 hours ago
Balogun, Trump et la Fifa : le parfum dun drôle de match Expulsé en seizièmes de finale de la Coupe du monde 2026, lattaquant américain Folarin Balogun ne sera finalement pas suspendu pour le huitième de finale face à la Belgique, dans la nuit de lundi à mardi. Lintervention de Donald Trump auprès de la Fifa ne fait guère de doute et offre une image catastrophique, commente le quotidien Le Soir en attendant le verdict du recours déposé par la Fédération belge.
courrier international · about 2 hours ago
⚽ 🏆 🇺🇸 FIFA "crossed a red line" with the decision to suspend US star Folarin Baloguns one-match ban for a year, European footballs governing body UEFA said on Monday, a ruling which permits Balogun to play in the co-hosts World Cup last 16 match with Belgium ➡️ u.afp.com/SKWK
bluesky_AFP English · about 2 hours ago
⚽ 🏆 🇺🇸 World Cup controversy after Trump intervenes on US striker Baloguns red card The United States face the biggest day of soccer in their history as they take on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, after a dramatic reprieve for star striker Folarin Balogun
bluesky_AFP English · about 2 hours ago
World Cup 2026: England set up Norway quarter-final after Mexico thriller; Uefa says Fifa crossed line over Balogun – live
bluesky_The Guardian · about 2 hours ago
A világbajnokság botránya lett abból, hogy Trump közbenjárása után vonta vissza az amerikai csatár eltiltását a FIFA Folarin Balogun szabálytalansága lehet, hogy nem ért volna egyből pirosat, de ettől még a FIFA nem szokta visszavonni ezeket az ítéleteket. Most mégis ez történt, azután, hogy Trump telefonon kérte ezt a szövetség elnökétől.
444.hu · about 2 hours ago
+++ Fußball-WM 2026 +++: Trump bestätigt Gespräch mit Fifa-Boss wegen Roter Karte für US-Stürmer Klopp wütet gegen Trump und Infantino +++ Verwirrung um Senegal-Rückkehr +++ Wayne Rooney muss nach Norwegen-Ansage rudern +++ Der WM-Blog.
handelsblatt · about 2 hours ago
Solbakken med ny Fifa-tirade: – Avgjørelsen er urimelig Ståle Solbakken møtte pressen dagen etter at Norge slo Brasil. Der ble han spurt om Donald Trump og Fifa.
aftenposten · about 2 hours ago