The Round of 16 is in full swing with plenty of on-pitch action to keep us entertained, but the off-pitch drama involving the Trump administration, FIFA, and USMNT star Folarin Balogun is what everyone is talking about.
Donald Trump announced on Sunday that FIFA have decided to suspend Balogun’s one-game ban until next year — news that has caused outrage in many corners of the footballing world.
FIFA released a statement dispelling rumors that US interference, specifically from the White House, played a part in the decision.
However, that flies in the face of fresh claims that have emerged on Sunday evening, which suggest Trump and other high-ranking officials were indeed putting the pressure on in recent days.
FIFA have suspended Folarin Balogun's red card ban for one year, meaning he will be available for USA vs Belgium! 😯 What's your reaction to the decision?
Donald Trump and US officials took legal action against FIFA
This isn’t a normal occurrence. It has happened in the past, but with far greater transparency.
That the US are one of the host nations makes it look worse again, but the president and his officials seem not to have cared about how it looks.
As has been reported by OutKick’s Clay Travis on X: “President Trump, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, and White House task force head Andrew Giuliani put together a team of elite lawyers — from outside the government — to challenge the Flo Balogun red card.
“Specifically, they challenged the use of slow-motion instant replay to give the red card, which they argued violated FIFA rules. The president also conveyed to Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, that the appeal had been filed and he believed the red card penalty was excessive.
“FIFA’s independent committee reviewed the decision and agreed the penalty was incorrectly given, rescinding it under their rule 27 authority.”
All week, FIFA officials had been claiming red cards can’t be overturned at the World Cup. That, paired with the fact that Trump’s buddy Gianni Infantino is calling the shots at FIFA, has led to widespread condemnation and accusations of corruption.
It’s not the USMNT who are being blamed. It’s not Balogun. They are obviously going to do everything they can to win, but from an outsiders perspective, it does seem unfair.
READ MORE:
The list Tom Brady will be ‘adding’ Folarin Balogun to after USA vs Belgium red card ban lifted
Donald Trump says ‘thank you’ to FIFA after Folarin Balogun red card ban lifted
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
