Trump Intervenes, Asks FIFA to Review US World Cup Star Folarin Balogun's Red Card Ban: Sources
President Donald Trump recently spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, requesting a review of the red card suspension of US soccer star Folarin Balogun, according to sources.
Balogun is now eligible to play in the USMNT's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday, as FIFA has put his one-game suspension on hold. The football governing body stated that the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
The call between Trump and Infantino took place last week. Balogun received the red card during the US match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1 after clashing with an opposing player. FIFA initially said the referee's call was final and could not be overturned.
However, FIFA has now added that if Balogun commits another similar infringement during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction enforced. The Royal Belgian Football Association has expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, citing the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which states that a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun was disappointed by the call and that the clash was not intentional. U.S. Soccer has accepted and is pleased with FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban. The US and Belgium will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET from Seattle Stadium.
Balogun is now eligible to play in the USMNT's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday, as FIFA has put his one-game suspension on hold. The football governing body stated that the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
The call between Trump and Infantino took place last week. Balogun received the red card during the US match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1 after clashing with an opposing player. FIFA initially said the referee's call was final and could not be overturned.
However, FIFA has now added that if Balogun commits another similar infringement during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction enforced. The Royal Belgian Football Association has expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, citing the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which states that a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun was disappointed by the call and that the clash was not intentional. U.S. Soccer has accepted and is pleased with FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban. The US and Belgium will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET from Seattle Stadium.
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