Trump Intervenes to Lift US Striker Balogun's Suspension Ahead of World Cup Knockout Match
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Folarin Balogun's suspension, leading FIFA to suspend the striker's one-match ban on probation. This allows Balogun to play in the US Round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- US striker Folarin Balogun was initially suspended for one match after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the suspension.
- FIFA suspended Balogun's ban on a one-year probation, allowing him to play against Belgium.
- The red card was not canceled, but the suspension will be enforced if a similar offense occurs within a year.
- The decision impacts the US team's lineup for the crucial World Cup knockout match.
- Trump's intervention highlights political influence on sports disciplinary decisions.
US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week to request a review of the automatic one-match suspension imposed on US forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun had been sent off during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review found he fouled Tarik Muharemovic. The suspension would have forced Balogun to miss the crucial Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Following Trump's intervention, Infantino agreed to reconsider the disciplinary decision. FIFA later announced that Balogun's suspension would be suspended on a one-year probationary period, allowing him to play in the upcoming knockout game. FIFA clarified that the red card itself was not rescinded, but the suspension was deferred under Article 27 of the disciplinary code. If Balogun commits a similar offense within the next year, the suspension will be enforced immediately alongside any new penalties.
This unexpected development reshapes the US team's lineup for their pivotal match against Belgium on Monday. The incident and Trump's direct involvement have drawn significant attention during the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the influence of political figures on sports governance.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 4Right 3Haredi 1Other 1
