Key facts
- President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
- FIFA reversed the one-game suspension for Balogun, allowing him to play in a World Cup match.
- Balogun had received a red card during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Trump publicly praised FIFA's decision to reverse the suspension.
U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier this week to request a review of a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, according to sources. FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun would be eligible to play in the United States' knockout game against Belgium, reversing a prior one-game suspension.
Balogun had received a red card during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows for the suspension of disciplinary measures under certain conditions and subjects the player to a probationary period. This decision allows Balogun, who is the U.S. team's top scorer with three goals in the tournament, to participate in the Round of 16 match.
Trump took to Truth Social to commend FIFA's decision, stating it had reversed a "great injustice." The reversal of the suspension is seen as a significant boost for the U.S. team as they aim to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.