Key facts
- FIFA overturned a one-game suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
- The decision followed a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- UEFA condemned the move as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable'.
- The Royal Belgian Football Association challenged Balogun's eligibility.
- Belgium defeated the U.S. 4-1 in a World Cup match.
- Folarin Balogun started for the U.S. but was largely ineffective.
FIFA overturned a one-game suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the World Cup match against Belgium, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism and accusations of political interference. The reversal followed a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
UEFA condemned the move as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,' stating it 'crossed a red line.' The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) also challenged Balogun's eligibility for the match, but FIFA's appeals committee denied their request, citing a lack of standing. Belgian fans voiced their dismay, chanting 'FIFA Mafia' and questioning the fairness of the ruling.
Balogun was initially suspended after receiving a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during the U.S. team's win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year and fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that the U.S. Soccer Federation can pay. Infantino stated he did not play a role in the disciplinary committee's decision.
On the field, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup last 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, while Malik Tillman netted the U.S.'s lone goal. A goalkeeping error by Matt Freese contributed to Belgium's third goal.