FIFA Clears Balogun for Belgium Clash After Reported Trump Intervention
Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play for the United States in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, a decision that has sparked widespread controversy across the football world.
Balogun had been due to miss Monday’s knockout match after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the Round of 32. The striker was dismissed following a video review that ruled he had stepped on the foot of a Bosnian defender.
Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card normally carries an automatic one-match suspension that cannot be appealed by a player’s national team.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been placed on hold for a one-year probationary period, allowing Balogun to feature against Belgium. The governing body cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code but did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
According to reports, two sources familiar with the matter claimed US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino, requesting a review of Balogun’s punishment.
Trump later praised the outcome on his Truth Social platform, describing the reversal as the correction of “a great injustice.”
The decision has drawn a strong reaction from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s ruling and argued that it contradicts the organisation’s own disciplinary regulations.
Belgium confirmed it is exploring all available legal options to protect what it described as the integrity and fairness of the competition.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia mocked the timing of the decision, joking that “July 5 has become April Fool’s Day,” while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted the late ruling came as a surprise and left his team with little time to adjust its preparations.
Balogun has been one of the standout performers for the United States during the tournament, scoring three goals to help the co-hosts reach the knockout stage. His availability is viewed as a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who described the original punishment as excessive for what he believed was an unintentional challenge.
US captain Christian Pulisic also welcomed the decision, calling it a major lift for the squad ahead of the crucial encounter with Belgium.
FIFA explained that Balogun’s suspension has not been cancelled entirely but has instead been suspended for one year. Should he commit a similar disciplinary offence during that period, the original ban would be activated.
The decision has reignited debate over consistency in FIFA’s disciplinary process, with critics arguing that football’s governing body must ensure equal treatment for every nation participating in the tournament.
The United States will now head into its last-16 showdown with Belgium hoping Balogun can continue his impressive World Cup form as the co-hosts chase their first quarter-final appearance since 2002.
