FIFA lifts Folarin Balogun's suspension after Trump interference: Fuss around

FIFA lifts Folarin Balogun suspension after Trump interference: Fuss around

The world football association FIFA has caused a stir by unexpectedly lifting the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun just before the crucial match against Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This rare measure followed a personal call from former American President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and has sparked a lot of discussion worldwide about possible political influence within the sport.

Balogun, born in New York, raised in London and playing in France, is considered one of the strong points of Team USA. He already led his team with three goals this World Cup. The commotion arose when he received a direct red card in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina after a duel with Tarik Muharemovic. The decision was controversial and, according to many, seemed severely punished.

Normally a red card automatically means a suspension for the next match. National coach Mauricio Pochettino therefore saw the important Balogun drop out at a time when Team USA has few options in the striker - with Ricardo Pepi, for example, already four games dry. However, FIFA intervened on the basis of Article 27 of the disciplinary regulations, which allows a 'judicial body' to suspend a punishment in whole or in part. This means Balogun is allowed to participate against Belgium, much to the anger of the Belgians.


The Belgian Football Association immediately reacted furiously and called the decision "astonishing". Coach Rudi Garcia compared it to “an April Fool's joke”. Belgian attempts to appeal via an urgent procedure were declared inadmissible by FIFA, because Belgium was not a party to the dispute. FIFA's explanation of the application of Article 27 remained brief, which increased transparency questions.

Donald Trump's role in the case puts even more pressure on FIFA. An open word of thanks from Trump to Infantino on social media raised questions about the independence of the football association. UEFA reacted sharply and spoke of “an incomprehensible and indefensible decision” that affects the integrity of the game.

Prominent football specialists also joined the discussion. Norwegian national coach Ståle Solbakken spoke of “a wrong and damaging decision”, while Wayne Rooney even called it “an absolute shame”. In contrast, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was remarkably positive: “The US with Balogun remains fantastic, and justice has been done here.”

With the won procedure, the US can reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, if they manage to beat Belgium. The affair once again shows how great the stakes and tensions are in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup, and will certainly remain a subject of discussion for a long time.

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