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5 July 2026

Former US President Donald Trump is said to have personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the one-match suspension handed to American striker Folarin Balogun — just before the governing body unexpectedly lifted the ban.

Balogun had been sent off in the USA’s round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina after appearing to unintentionally make contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic. The dismissal came following a VAR review, leaving the United States to finish the match with ten men, though they went on to win 2-0 thanks to Balogun’s third goal of the tournament.

On Sunday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the red card. Under this ruling, Balogun’s one-match ban will only take effect if he commits another similar offence within the next twelve months.

Reacting to the decision, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” According to reports from the New York Times, the US president personally intervened to have the original decision reconsidered.

When contacted by The Independent regarding Trump’s involvement, a FIFA spokesperson referred to the governing body’s disciplinary code, which allows its judicial body to suspend sanctions either partially or fully at its discretion.

The Belgian Football Association expressed strong disapproval, saying it was “astonished” by the ruling and would “investigate all potential options” in response.

In an official statement, FIFA explained: “In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

Trump reiterated his praise for FIFA, posting again: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice.” The White House also celebrated Balogun’s reinstatement with a post on X that read, “USA-USA-USA.”

The United States Soccer Federation welcomed the outcome, releasing a statement that said: “We are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” ahead of Monday’s fixture in Seattle.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed relief, stating, “My reaction is like everyone’s. I love the sport and believe in its ethical integrity. We celebrate the decision.”

Balogun’s teammates learned of the news while en route to training. “We found out about it just coming over here,” said forward Christian Pulisic. “At first, you’re like, ‘Oh really, is this real?’ And then ‘Oh, this is great news.’”

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) criticised FIFA’s choice to allow Balogun to play, citing contradictions within the disciplinary code. “FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. However, Article 66.4 of the same code clearly provides that a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup,” the RBFA noted.

The RBFA further stated that the decision directly contradicted the tournament’s regulations. “As set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,’” the association added.

There have been precedents of FIFA exercising discretion in similar cases. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to play in his team’s opening World Cup fixtures after FIFA suspended the final two matches of a three-game ban last year following his dismissal against Ireland. Likewise, Qatar’s Assim Madibo received a five-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ismael Kone during the group stage.

Historical parallels have also been drawn with Brazil legend Garrincha, who was sent off in the 1962 World Cup semi-final but cleared for the final following intervention from Chilean President Jorge Alessandri. Reports later claimed that officials accepted a $10,000 bribe not to testify at the disciplinary hearing. Garrincha went on to help Brazil defeat Czechoslovakia 3-1 to lift the trophy.

Interestingly, Balogun’s eligibility for the US team might not exist under proposed immigration reforms from Trump’s administration. Born in Brooklyn on 3 July to Nigerian parents visiting New York from London, Balogun gained US citizenship through birthright laws under the Fourteenth Amendment — provisions that the Trump administration has sought to amend.