Balogun Cleared to Play After FIFA Lifts Red Card Suspension Amid Uproar
Quick Look
- Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted by FIFA, allowing him to start for the US against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
- The decision, reportedly influenced by a call from U.S.
- President Trump to FIFA president Infantino, has drawn strong criticism from UEFA.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Folarin Balogun received a red card during a World Cup match and faced a one-game suspension. FIFA's disciplinary committee later suspended the discipline for a year.
SEATTLE -- Folarin Balogun is in the United States' starting lineup for Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport.
Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday, prompting the European governing body UEFA to call the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
Belgium's attempt to have FIFA reinstate the suspension was denied by FIFA's appeals committee, which said the Belgian federation lacked standing.
Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Balogun's three goals lead the U.S., which has never won consecutive knockout-rounds games at the World Cup. Belgium eliminated the Americans in the 2014 round of 16.
The U.S.-Belgium winner faces Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, for a semifinal berth against France or Morocco. The U.S. last reached the quarterfinals in 2002, when it was knocked out by Germany. The Americans advanced to the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930.
Open Questions
- Did President Trump's call directly influence FIFA's decision?
- What are the long-term implications for FIFA's disciplinary process?
- Will other federations challenge FIFA's ruling?
