sports
FIFA Lifts Folarin Balogun Ban After White House Contact
GB News reported that FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban less than 24 hours before the United States faced Belgium in the World Cup last 16. Balogun started the match, which the United States lost 4-1. He scored three goals in the tournament.
Jul 14, 9:44 AM·1m read1 source
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FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban less than 24 hours before the United States played Belgium in the World Cup last-16 round, GB News reported. The White House had publicly confirmed it raised concerns with FIFA over the straight red card Balogun received during the group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun started the match against Belgium.
The United States lost 4-1. Balogun scored three goals across the tournament. Speaking to CBS Mornings, Balogun said his initial reaction was happiness at returning to the team. He added that reflection led him to recognize the decision would cause controversy and that teammates showed visible nerves over the unique situation.
Balogun said the team had practiced without him before the reversal. The squad learned of the suspension on the team bus and reacted with screaming and shouting, he said. Balogun stated he did not believe the challenge that produced the red card warranted a dismissal.
He described the incident as unintentional and said it added unnecessary pressure. Balogun finished as the United States' leading scorer with three goals.
