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White House Contacted FIFA Over US Striker's Red Card, Reports Claim

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • FIFA granted a one-year suspended sentence for U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play in the next match.
  • Reports suggest the White House directly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.
  • The decision has sparked controversy, with Belgium expressing dismay while the U.S. celebrates the player's availability for a crucial World Cup match.

FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card for one year has cleared the path for the U.S. striker to play in the crucial World Cup match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic, despite scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 victory that secured the U.S. team's advancement to the Round of 16.

The White House directly contacted FIFA and asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card.

— Ben JacobsA British sports broadcaster alleging White House intervention.

However, the decision has ignited a political firestorm, with reports claiming the White House directly intervened. Ben Jacobs, a British sports broadcaster, alleged on social media that the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of the red card. FIFA, when asked for comment, stated the decision was made by an independent disciplinary committee, and sources within FIFA reportedly dismissed the possibility of White House influence, citing the independence of the disciplinary panel and regulations.

The FIFA statement indicated that Balogun's one-game suspension would be held in abeyance for a year. If he commits a similar offense during this period, the suspension will be enforced, and he could face additional penalties. This ruling allows Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament and is a key player for the U.S. attack, to participate in the upcoming game.

The FIFA disciplinary committee's decision.

— FIFAFIFA's official response regarding the red card decision.

The U.S. side has welcomed the decision. Former President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for "doing the right thing," and the White House's official X account posted a celebratory message. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously called the red card "unjust" and advocated for a review.

Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a major injustice.

— Donald TrumpFormer U.S. President's reaction to the FIFA decision.

Conversely, the Belgian team expressed "utter shock" at the ruling and is reportedly considering its options. U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino had also argued that the red card was not warranted. The U.S. team is aiming for its first quarter-final appearance since the 2002 World Cup, and Balogun's availability is seen as a significant boost.

The Belgian Football Association was 'utterly shocked' by the decision.

— The GuardianReporting on Belgium's reaction to Balogun's suspended red card.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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