Trump confirms that he asked FIFA to review Balogun's suspension
According to Sports.
Context
25-year-old striker Folarin Balogun has become a central figure in the United States national team, especially after his outstanding performance at the 2026 World Cup. His ability to score goals and contribute offensively will be vital to the team's performance in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Why this matters
Donald Trump's intervention in Folarin Balogun's suspension highlights the striker's importance for the United States team at the 2026 World Cup. With three goals scored in the tournament, his presence is crucial for the team's performance in the round of 16 against Belgium. FIFA's decision to review the suspension could impact not only the game, but also team morale and the perception of the tournament.
Main conclusions
- Trump confirms that he asked FIFA to review Balogun's suspension.
- President Donald Trump intervened to ask FIFA to review striker Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, allowing him to play in the World Cup match against Belgium despite previous sanctions.
- Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun ban - Yahoo Sports.
United States President Donald Trump confirmed that he asked FIFA to review the one-game suspension of striker Folarin Balogun, who was suspended for a red card received in a previous game. Balogun, 25, was set to miss the round of 16 match against Belgium after being sent off for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. However, FIFA took the surprise decision to suspend the automatic one-match penalty for 12 months, sparking widespread criticism, including from UEFA and Belgium coach Thomas Tuchel.
FIFA's decision allows the US striker, who has already scored three goals in the tournament, to be selected for the clash in Seattle, scheduled for 5pm (local time). The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed its "stupidity" over the move and informed the United States Football Federation that it "disputes Balogun's eligibility" for the match, after his appeal against the decision was rejected.
Trump declared that FIFA "made the right decision", saying that the existence of the suspension would have left a "huge stain" on the competition. During a press conference at the White House, he reported that he asked FIFA to re-evaluate the situation because he "didn't think it was a mistake." The president confirmed that he spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but emphasized that all he did was request a review, without demanding the suspension of Balogun's punishment.
"I think [the suspension] would have left a big stain. I can't tell them what to do. I don't believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that did it. And it was the right decision," Trump said. However, UEFA said this puts the integrity of football at risk. Trump also criticized referee Raphael Claus' decision to send off Balogun, calling it "horrible" and insinuating that the Brazilian "is a little suspicious."
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) defended Claus's integrity, stating that "there is nothing in his record that discredits him or provides grounds for any suspicion. He is an exemplary professional." In a statement on platform
FIFA's appeals committee ruled that Belgium is not an interested party as it was not involved in the original decision and is merely the United States' next opponent. "The request was considered inadmissible on the basis that the Belgian federation is not a party to the process and therefore has no standing to appeal the decision," FIFA said in a statement. This means that Balogun will be able to play against Belgium as there is no party that will appeal against the decision.
The RBFA said it has not yet received the grounds for the rejection of its appeal by FIFA's appeals committee and is awaiting requested information, including the "motivation [for] declaring the player eligible, as well as the referee's report". The RBFA added that this constituted a "breach" of FIFA regulations. When asked by BBC Sport about Trump's comments and its opinion on Claus, FIFA responded that it had nothing further to add. Infantino also stated that FIFA's judicial bodies are "independent" and that decisions "must always be respected". He emphasized: "I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect these decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and FIFA's credibility at all times."
The RBFA expressed its concern at the development of events, stating that "regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, it is deeply concerned about the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming days and months in defense of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition and the interests of football as a whole". England manager Thomas Tuchel said the decision set a dangerous precedent. Tuchel had defender Jarell Quansah sent off in a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico. “Where to draw the line is the question I ask,” he said. "I have no answer to that. Do we appeal whether a yellow card is not a yellow card? Do we think it is not a red card or who thinks that? Where does it begin and where does it end? That is my question. I have no answer." UEFA declared that intervening to effectively lift a tournament suspension "crossed a red line". Considering the 189 other red cards at the World Cup, only once has a player escaped a suspension: it was Brazil's Garrincha in 1962, before automatic suspensions were implemented and the failure to impose asanction was shrouded in allegations of political interference. FIFA cited article 27 of its disciplinary code, which grants authority to partially suspend disciplinary measures, in announcing that Balogun's one-match ban would be suspended for a one-year probationary period. However, FIFA did not provide a specific explanation for its decision in Balogun's case.
What happens next
With Balogun's release, the expectation is that he will be selected for the clash against Belgium in Seattle. The Royal Belgian Football Association has already expressed its objection to the player's eligibility, which could generate more controversies before the game. The situation could also influence future FIFA decisions regarding suspensions and appeals during the 2026 World Cup.