In brief
President Trump announced he had asked FIFA to reassess the suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun, following a straight red card in the knockout stage. FIFA denied the ban but stated the decision had been correct, arguing it avoided a "big stain" on the tournament. Balogun, who had already scored three goals at the event, was cleared to play against Belgium. Trump criticised referee Raphael Claus, calling the send‑off “horrible”, while the Royal Belgian Football Association expressed shock at the ruling. UEFA and other football officials warned the decision sets a dangerous precedent for future appeals.
In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump confirmed that he had requested FIFA to review the decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun after a straight‑red card during the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The federation subsequently denied the ban, explaining that its initial decision was “right” and would have left a “big stain” on the tournament if enforced.
Balogun, 25, had been shown the red card for a tackle on Bosnia‑Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 16. He had already tallied three goals in the tournament, and the call would have sidelined him for the match against Belgium in Seattle.
Trump added that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, noting he only “asked for a review” and did not instruct the Swiss authorities to lift the suspension. He criticised referee Raphael Claus, describing the decision as “horrible” and suggesting the referee was “a little bit suspect”.
The Royal Belgian Football Association was stunned by the outcome, stating it would continue to fight for the integrity of the sport in the coming days. UEFA remarked that intervening to cancel an on‑field suspension “crossed a red line”, warning that only one other player in World Cup history—Brazil’s Garrincha in 1962—had escaped a ban.
The incident has sparked debate among football insiders, with England coach Thomas Tuchel questioning whether such appeals set a dangerous precedent, and highlighting the uncertainty of appeals for card decisions during major competitions.
