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FIFA Lifts Red Card Suspension for U.S. Player Folarin Balogun
FIFA's disciplinary committee reinstated striker Folarin Balogun for Monday's World Cup match against Belgium. The decision followed a phone call between President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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FIFA's disciplinary committee lifted the red card suspension against U.S. men's national team striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Monday's World Cup match against Belgium. Balogun received the red card during the United States' match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday after colliding with a Bosnian defender.
The U.S. won that match, but the suspension would have kept Balogun out of the round-of-16 game. President Trump confirmed Monday that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday to discuss the suspension. Trump said he asked for a review because he did not think the collision was a foul.
Infantino said in a statement that he explained to Trump there was an ongoing legal process and that FIFA's judicial bodies would decide the case. He added that the bodies operate autonomously and apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Trump said he did not tell Infantino what to do and praised him as a smart, tough man.
He said he believed a committee made the decision. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also communicated with FIFA about the situation.
Reactions The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was astonished by the decision and that its appeal was ruled inadmissible. The association stated it contests Balogun's eligibility and has not received grounds for the ruling. UEFA said the decision crossed a red line and expressed disbelief at an unprecedented and unjustifiable outcome.
Former players Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville also criticized the decision. FIFA said Balogun is on probation for one year. If he commits another similar infringement during that period, the suspension will be enforced. The organization cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code as the basis for lifting the sanction.
U.S. players Christian Pulisic, Alex Freeman, and Chris Richards told CBS News the team is focused on preparing for Monday's match in Seattle. The winner advances to the quarterfinals.
