6 July 2026
Trump Calls FIFA and Balogun Gets His Reprieve
FIFA took the extraordinary step of lifting Folarin Balogun's automatic suspension after US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to press for a review.
The United States' World Cup campaign took a remarkable turn on Sunday when FIFA announced it was suspending Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, freeing him to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 tie, according to Reuters. The decision followed a personal intervention by President Donald Trump, who urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
The move drew fierce criticism from football figures and governing bodies. The Belgian FA described itself as astonished by the decision and said it was looking into all available options in response, while pundit Gary Neville was among those who condemned the ruling.
The episode raised pointed questions about the independence of football's governing body and what it means for the principle of consistent, impartial decision-making at the sport's biggest tournament.
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