President Donald Trump has stepped into the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup. According to Fox News, Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. While details of the conversation remain confidential, Trump has previously praised Infantino as a ‘great leader in sports’ and a friend.
In a surprising turn, the USMNT striker, Balogun, who scored three goals in this World Cup, has been cleared to play. The Athletic initially reported his playing status, citing FIFA’s disciplinary code. It states that a judicial body may suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure, provided no similar infractions occur during a specified probationary period.
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the rule adds.
FIFA has confirmed Balogun’s suspension is subject to a one-year probationary period. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with the decision: “We accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” they stated, shifting focus to their upcoming match against Belgium in Seattle.
Belgium, which narrowly defeated Senegal in the Round of 32, reacted with surprise to FIFA’s decision, as reported by the Royal Belgian Football Association, who said they will “investigate all potential options” to contest it.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino had been considering replacements for Balogun, but now plans to deploy their usual starting lineup against Belgium.
Beyond the match, Trump and Infantino are scheduled to attend the World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winning team, continuing the tradition from last year’s FIFA Club World Cup Final, as mentioned by Infantino on Fox & Friends.
Should the USMNT win against Belgium, they would become only the second U.S. team to reach the quarterfinals, potentially facing Portugal or Spain next.
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