Trump pushes FIFA to review Balogun ban at World Cup

President Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to reconsider the one‑match ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun after a straight red card in the round of 32 against Bosnia‑Herzegovina.

Balogun, 25, was set to miss the last‑16 tie with Belgium because of a hard tackle on defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round. FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the automatic ban for 12 months, a move that prompted criticism from UEFA, the Belgian FA and England coach Thomas Tuchel.

The White House hosted Trump’s brief on Monday, where he insisted FIFA had made the “right decision” and that a ban would have left a "big stain" on the tournament. Trump noted he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and requested a review, claiming he did not think it was a foul.

While Infantino reiterated the independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies, the Swiss FA described the decision as "incomprehensible" and raised questions about the authority of referees, especially with VAR involvement. The Belgian FA has said it contests Balogun's eligibility for the upcoming match.

UEFA warned that intervening to cancel a valid suspension at a tournament"crossed a red line" and highlighted the rarity of such cases – the last being Brazil’s Garrincha in 1962. FIFA cited Article 27 of its rules to allow a probationary suspension but did not explain the specific reasoning.

Balogun’s return could mean a political moment inside a sporting event, with FIFA, UEFA and national federations weighing in on fairness and governance. The United States’ next match will kick off at 17:00 local time in Seattle.