FIFA Cancels US Player Balogun’s Red Card, Sparking French Demand and Belgian Outrage
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
FIFA overturned the red card suspension of US player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, allowing him to play in the round of 16. This unprecedented decision has led France to consider contesting a yellow card received by Michael Olise, while Belgium condemns the ruling and contemplates legal action. The controversy has sparked widespread debate and social media reactions, with political figures like Donald Trump publicly supporting FIFA's move.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- FIFA revoked US player Balogun’s red card, allowing him to play in the World Cup round of 16.
- France may request cancellation of Michael Olise’s yellow card citing the Balogun precedent.
- Belgium strongly opposes FIFA’s decision and considers appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- US coach Pochettino praised the decision as correcting an unfair punishment.
- US President Trump publicly supported FIFA’s reversal and influenced the review process.
- Social media erupted with memes mocking the ruling and its potential impact on fair play.
The controversy over FIFA's decision to revoke the red card of US national team striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues to escalate. FIFA allowed Balogun to participate in the round of 16 match despite his initial suspension, a move that has prompted the French Football Federation to consider requesting the cancellation of a yellow card received by Michael Olise, citing a precedent set by Balogun's case. The French argue that Olise's yellow card, given in the 97th minute against Paraguay after an alleged altercation with Matias Galarza, was unjustified as no contact occurred, putting Olise one card away from suspension in the semifinals.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA's decision, calling it a correction of an injustice and emphasizing that 99.9% of people agree Balogun's red card was unfair. When asked about political influence following US President Donald Trump's public support for the decision, Pochettino stressed that politics should not interfere with football. Trump praised FIFA on his social media platform Truth Social and reportedly the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's suspension.
This is the first time since 1962 that a player sent off during the World Cup has been allowed to play in the next match, despite regulations mandating suspension. FIFA based its decision on Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for full or partial suspension of disciplinary sanctions, with the condition that if the player commits a similar offense during the probation period, the original sanction is reinstated along with any new penalties.
Belgium has strongly criticized the ruling, with national coach Rudy Garcia calling it an "April Fools' joke" and the Belgian Football Association expressing shock and considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Social media has been flooded with memes mocking the decision, including references to a "Trump card" immunity and concerns that it could encourage US players to act with impunity ahead of their match against Belgium. Journalist Piers Morgan also highlighted Belgian anger over what he called Balogun's "pardon."
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