Trump intervention sparks World Cup storm as Fifa clears Balogun to face Belgium

FIFA has made an unprecedented decision to suspend the automatic red-card ban for U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play against Belgium in the last-16 of the World Cup. This move followed a personal appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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In line with article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.

The decision has thrust FIFA's disciplinary process into the global spotlight, drawing an angry response from Belgium and ensuring that political influence, rather than on-field tactics, would dominate discussions surrounding the tournament. Pundits and commentators are debating whether FIFA upheld justice or undermined its own rules.

Balogun received a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for an ankle foul, which was confirmed after a VAR review. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had stated it was not a red card offense. According to a source briefed on the call, Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of the sending-off.

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Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice.

FIFA's statement indicated that the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Balogun commits a similar infringement during this period, the suspension will be enforced. President Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, calling it a reversal of a "great injustice," while the White House also acknowledged Balogun's reinstatement.

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We found out about it just coming over here. At first, you're like, 'Oh really, is this real?' And then 'Oh, this is great news'.

U.S. Soccer accepted the decision, and Balogun's teammates learned of the news via social media on their way to training. Forward Christian Pulisic expressed surprise and then excitement about the development. Coach Pochettino welcomed the news, noting that most people in football considered the original punishment unfair.

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I think 99.9 per cent of people in football have said this is an unfair punishment and there's evidence from the past that makes it possib