White House called FIFA’s Infantino to review Team USA’s Folarin Balogun’s red card, AP source says
FIFA cited its disciplinary code in putting Balogun’s one-match ban on probation for a year, a ruling that drew criticism from Belgium.
- FIFA overturned the red card suspension for Monday's game, clearing striker Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
- President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday to request a review, prompting the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to suspend the automatic ban and place Balogun on one-year probation.
- Citing Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Royal Belgian Football Association stated it was "astonished" by the decision, arguing the rules mandate an automatic suspension for red cards.
- Accepting the ruling, the US soccer team said it is "pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow" and focused on the Seattle match against Belgium.
- If Balogun commits another similar infringement during probation, the original sanction will be enforced, echoing historical precedents like Brazil great Garrincha's 1962 World Cup final appeal.
203 Articles
203 Articles
FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgian FA 'astonished' by FIFA Decision to Clear USA's Balogun for RO16 Clash
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has expressed strong opposition to FIFA's decision to make United States striker Folarin Balogun eligible for Monday's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash, describing the ruling as surprising and saying it is exploring all possible avenues to protect its interests. Sports News | FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgian FA 'astonished' by FIFA Decision to C…
FIFA lifted the sanction for Balogun and Belgium broke out: they question the decision at the time of the World Cup crossing and technician Rudi García joked with the day of the innocent.
Trump Call to FIFA Reverses Folarin Balogun Red Card Suspension to Rescue American World Cup Dream
Folarin Balogun's World Cup dream was hanging by a thread until a phone call from the White House appears to have changed everything. FIFA announced on Sunday that the American forward's one-match suspension, triggered by a straight red card in the round of 32, would be lifted in time for the United States' round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision followed a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, first report…
World Cup: Belgium challenge FIFA's decision to clear USA's Balogun for Round of 16 clash
The association warned that FIFA's latest decision raises broader concerns about consistency in the application of the tournament's disciplinary rules The post World Cup: Belgium challenge FIFA’s decision to clear USA’s Balogun for Round of 16 clash appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
'Astonished': Belgium threaten drastic action after FIFA 'unfair decision' to clear Balogun for USA clash despite red card
Belgium’s football federation has formally challenged FIFA’s decision to suspend a red card ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash in Seattle. FIFA’s use of Article 27 to delay the suspension has sparked accusations of rule contradictions, with Belgium arguing it undermines automatic red card regulations and fair play principles.
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