President Donald Trump directly intervened in the controversy surrounding U.S. men's national team striker Folarin Balogun's red card, calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision, a source confirmed to Fox News. The intervention came ahead of the USMNT's crucial Round of 16 match against Belgium, and Balogun has now been cleared to play in a stunning turn of events.
Balogun, who has scored three goals in this World Cup including one before his red card in the Round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was initially suspended after the controversial decision. The Athletic first reported Balogun's playing status on Sunday, noting that FIFA's disciplinary code allows for the suspension of a disciplinary measure. The code states that «the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,» and that if the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature during the probationary period, the suspension may be revoked.
FIFA confirmed that Balogun's suspension was for a probationary period of one year. U.S. Soccer responded by saying, «We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.»
The Royal Belgian Football Association, however, expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to play. The association said it will be «investigating all potential options» to reverse the decision, signaling a potential dispute over the ruling. Belgium narrowly escaped Senegal in the Round of 32 and now faces a USMNT squad that had been preparing to replace Balogun in their formation.
Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff had been considering how to adjust the lineup without Balogun, but the reversal allows them to field their regular starting XI against a formidable Belgian squad. The USMNT will aim to advance to the quarterfinals, a feat only achieved once before in the country's history. If they defeat Belgium, they would face the winner of the Portugal-Spain match.
Trump and Infantino are scheduled to be together at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup Final. Infantino previously stated on «Fox & Friends» that Trump will hand out the World Cup trophy to the winning team's captain on the field, as they did at the FIFA Club World Cup Final last year. Trump has referred to Infantino as a «great leader in sports» and a friend.
The controversy has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and sports, with Trump's direct involvement in a disciplinary matter raising questions about the independence of FIFA's judicial processes. The USMNT's performance against Belgium will now be closely watched, as Balogun's presence could significantly impact the outcome.
