The United States’ FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium has been overshadowed by a major controversy after US President Donald Trump confirmed that he personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card shown to American striker Folarin Balogun.
Speaking at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he did not pressure FIFA to overturn the decision but merely requested a review, arguing that Balogun’s dismissal during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina should not have resulted in a suspension.
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“I didn’t tell him what to do,” Trump said, adding that Balogun missing the knockout fixture would have been “a stain” on the tournament.
The controversy intensified after FIFA suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, making him available for the Belgium clash. The unexpected decision prompted the Royal Belgian Football Association to challenge the striker’s eligibility, claiming it had received neither FIFA’s formal ruling nor an explanation for the decision before learning about it through media reports.
The governing body has since opened an appeals process, seeking submissions from both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federation.
The move has also drawn criticism from across the football world. UEFA described FIFA’s handling of the matter as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that altering disciplinary decisions during the World Cup could undermine the competition’s integrity.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney called the development “an absolute disgrace,” while Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said the ruling would hurt the credibility of the tournament. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also criticised the decision, stating that disciplinary rulings should be determined by football regulations and independent bodies rather than political influence.
Despite the off-field storm, Balogun remains eligible to feature as the United States seeks a place in the World Cup quarter-finals against Belgium.
