FIFA has sparked controversy after allowing United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium by suspending his automatic one-match ban following involvement from US President Donald Trump.
Balogun, one of the USA’s standout performers at the tournament with three goals, was sent off during the co-hosts’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32. The 25-year-old received a straight red card in the second half for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Under FIFA regulations, a red card normally results in an automatic suspension for the next match. However, the governing body confirmed Balogun’s punishment had been suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.
FIFA stated that if Balogun commits a similar offence during that time, the suspension will be activated alongside any additional punishment. The organisation did not provide further explanation for the decision.
CBS News reported that the move followed a direct conversation between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. According to sources familiar with the call, Trump raised the suspension issue before Infantino said FIFA’s disciplinary committee would review the case.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup task force, also contacted Infantino, while US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick was reportedly involved in discussions with FIFA.
Trump later welcomed the outcome on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for what he described as correcting a “great injustice.”
The decision was celebrated by the USA squad, with Christian Pulisic revealing the players discovered the news while travelling to training.
Pulisic said Balogun was delighted by the outcome and added that the team felt the original punishment was too severe.
However, the Royal Belgian Football Association strongly criticised FIFA’s ruling, saying it was “astonished” by the decision. The RBFA noted that every other player sent off at this World Cup has served a suspension and argued the move contradicts competition regulations that FIFA had previously communicated to teams.
Belgium’s football authority said it is now reviewing possible responses in order to defend fair play and equal treatment for all participating nations.
The incident has also triggered debate in the United States, where many supporters and media outlets questioned the original red card and football’s disciplinary rules. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who publicly called for the decision to be reconsidered.
Balogun had already played a major role in the USA’s campaign, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Paraguay before adding another goal against Bosnia. His dismissal came in the 64th minute after a challenge in which his boot landed on Muharemovic’s ankle while competing for the ball.
Referee Raphael Claus initially reviewed the incident after being advised by VAR and showed Balogun a straight red card following the pitchside check.
FIFA’s decision has drawn comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s case before the tournament. Ronaldo originally received a three-match suspension after being sent off for Portugal in World Cup qualifying, but FIFA later suspended the remainder of the punishment after he served one match.
However, critics argue Balogun’s case is different because the red card happened during the World Cup itself. He became the 12th player dismissed at this year’s tournament but the first not to miss the following match.
The ruling has increased scrutiny on FIFA’s disciplinary process, particularly given the organisation’s limited explanation and the close relationship between Infantino and Trump ahead of the later stages of a World Cup co-hosted by the United States.