FIFA Reverses Balogun Ban
65 articles from 35 countries
FIFA has lifted a suspension on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout stage. While Belgium's Socialist Party criticized the reversal, President Trump thanked FIFA for overturning the red card.
White House Reportedly Called FIFA Over Balogun Red Card Suspension
- FIFA suspended US forward Folarin Balogun's red card suspension after a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play against Belgium. - Reports suggest the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision. - FIFA maintains that its independent committee's decision was based solely on disciplinary code provisions, denying external influence.
Trump, Infantino, FIFA, Balogun: Five Questions on the Unprecedented World Cup Scandal
- U.S. forward Folarin Balogun is unexpectedly cleared to play against Belgium in the World Cup after being red-carded against Bosnia-Herzegovina. - The decision has been described as scandalous and s…
Trump's Appeal Leads FIFA to Suspend US Player's Red Card Ban, Sparking Controversy
- FIFA controversially suspended a one-year ban for US player Folarin Balogun after a red card, allowing him to play against Belgium. - The decision followed a personal appeal from US President Donald…
Trump intervention sparks World Cup storm as FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium
- FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red-card ban for one year after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened. - The decision allows Balogun to play against Belgium in the World Cup's last-16, sparking co…
FIFA lifts US striker's ban, Donald Trump praises decision
- FIFA overturned a one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun, converting it to a probationary suspension. - The decision allows Balogun, the US team's top scorer, to play in the upcoming Round of 1…
FIFA Lifts US Striker's Ban - Donald Trump Praises Decision
- FIFA overturned a one-game suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Round of 16. - The decision, which converted the ban to a probationary period, has drawn strong crit…
Trump intervention sparks World Cup storm as Fifa clears Balogun to face Belgium
- FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red-card ban for the US Men's National Team after an intervention by US President Donald Trump. - Balogun was sent off during a World Cup match but will now be eligi…
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Red Card Ban Amid Trump Controversy, Belgium Protests
- FIFA suspended U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban for a red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. - The decision, initially confirmed by F…
FIFA lifts Balogun ban after Trump reportedly intervenes
- FIFA overturned a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun just before the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. - Reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA Presid…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump thanks FIFA after Balogun cleared to play for US in RO16 clash against Belgium
- U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for overturning a suspension on American striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup Round of 16. - Trump described the decision as "doing…
Belgium “Astonished” by FIFA’s Suspension of Folarin’s Red Card
- The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to suspend a red card suspension for player Folarin Balogun. - Balogun received a straight red card for a foul during…
FIFA makes unprecedented U-turn following Trump intervention to clear Balogun for US-Belgium World Cup clash
- FIFA overturned an automatic red-card ban for Folarin Balogun following intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump. - The decision allows the striker to play against Belgium in the World Cup's la…
FIFA's Balogun Suspension U-Turn Sparks Controversy, Trump Allegedly Intervened
- U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun will be allowed to play against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 after FIFA granted a one-year suspended sentence for his red card. - FIFA's decision has spark…
Trump Reportedly Intervenes as FIFA Lifts US Star Balogun's Red Card Ban
- FIFA has temporarily suspended a red card suspension for US star striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 match. - Reports suggest US President Trump contacted FIFA President…
FIFA Rule Allows Balogun to Play Against Belgium Despite Red Card
- Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 due to a suspended disciplinary measure. - FIFA's disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of the Discipli…
Belgian Coach: FIFA's Decision on Balogun Suspension is an 'April Fools' Joke'
- Belgium's national team coach, Rudi Garcia, expressed disbelief at FIFA's decision to make a player's suspension conditional. - The conditional suspension allows USA's Folarin Balogun to play agains…
FIFA's Controversial Decision on Balogun Sparks Outrage After Trump Call
- FIFA has suspended a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup. - The decision followed an unprecedented phone call from U.S. Preside…
Trump reportedly contacted FIFA president over player's red card ban
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a red card suspension for U.S. Men's National Team player Folarin Balogun. - Balogun received a direct red …
Report: Trump intervened with FIFA president over player's ban
- Donald Trump reportedly intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Folarin Balogun's suspension. - Balogun received a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing a one-…
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, clearing him to play for U.S. vs. Belgium
- FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red card suspension for one year, allowing him to play for the U.S. against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup. - The decision, praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, wa…
FIFA lifts U.S. player Balogun's red card suspension after Trump calls Infantino
- FIFA lifted U.S. player Folarin Balogun's red card suspension after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino. - Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle i…
White House urged FIFA to review Balogun's red card; Belgium coach reacts
- The White House reportedly asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's red card, which was later rescinded. - Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia expressed surprise and frustration over the decision, calling it …
FIFA overturns Balogun red card after Trump's alleged request, sparking integrity concerns
- FIFA overturned a red card for US player Folarin Balogun after a request from then-President Donald Trump. - The decision is criticized as a betrayal of sportsmanship, prioritizing political favor o…
Trump's call to FIFA overturned US player's ban, sparking controversy
- FIFA has overturned a one-match ban for U.S. player Folarin Balogun after alleged intervention from the White House and President Donald Trump. - Belgian media report that Belgium, the opposing team…
Trump asked FIFA president to review 'red card' case for Balogun at World Cup
- Donald Trump reportedly asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's "red card" punishment during the World Cup. - The request was made in relation to Balogun's decision to repr…
Trump called FIFA chief over Balogun red card, NYT reports
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a red card suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun. - FIFA subsequently suspended …
Balogun's 'half' disqualification, NYT reveals: 'Trump called Fifa chief'
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card suspension. - FIFA suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium, a d…
Trump called FIFA chief over US star's suspension before reversal: report
- US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask him to reconsider a suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun. - FIFA reversed its decision, suspending Balogun's o…
White House lobbied FIFA over US striker's ban
- The White House reportedly lobbied FIFA to lift a suspension on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun before a game against Belgium. - FIFA used Article 27, the same clause that previously allowed Cristiano …
FIFA overturns US striker's ban after reported Trump intervention
- FIFA has suspended a one-game ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. - The decision, praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, has…
Belgium protests FIFA's decision on Balogun's red card suspension
- Belgium has protested FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against them in the World Cup knockout stage. - The Belgian FA cited FIFA regulations that mandate automatic suspension for red…
FIFA Lifts Balogun's Red Card After Trump Call; US Star Cleared for Belgium Match
- FIFA overturned a red card for US star Folarin Balogun after a call from U.S. President Donald Trump. - Balogun will now be eligible to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. - The…
Trump thanks FIFA for lifting Balogun's World Cup ban
- U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for suspending a one-match ban on striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout stage. - Balogun was initially set to miss the matc…
Trump after overturned suspension: "Thank you FIFA"
- FIFA overturned a one-match suspension for US player Folarin Balogun, giving him a one-year probationary period instead. - President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for the decision via Truth Social. - Ba…
Socialist Party slams FIFA over Balogun suspension reversal
- The Socialist Party (PS) in Belgium has strongly criticized FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension. - Balogun, who was suspended after a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, will now be e…
Belgium furious with FIFA over Balogun decision: 'Contradicts football regulations'
- Belgium is outraged by FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against them in the 2026 World Cup. - The Belgian FA claims the decision contradicts FIFA's own disciplinary and tournament re…
World Cup 2026: FIFA cancels US attacker Balogun's red card; Trump cries 'thank you'
- FIFA has overturned the red card suspension for US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup match. - Balogun was initially suspended for the Round of 16 game against B…
What is Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code that allows red-carded Balogun to play?
- FIFA has allowed U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a previous red card. - The decision was made by suspending the ban, citing Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code. - Bal…
Pochettino celebrates FIFA's Balogun ban reversal, unaware of Trump's thanks
- FIFA overturned a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the next round of the 2026 World Cup. - The decision relieved U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who called the init…
Trump Reportedly Called FIFA President Over Player Suspension, Balogun Ban Lifted Suddenly
- FIFA controversially allowed US player Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 despite a red card. - Reports suggest US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to …
World Cup: Belgium challenges FIFA's decision clearing Balogun for USA clash
- Belgium's football association is shocked by FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against them. - The RBFA argues that a red card should result in an automatic suspension for the next ma…
Trump reportedly overturned FIFA red card decision for US player
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly intervened by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card suspension for American player Folarin Balogun. - Balogun received a red card f…
FIFA Temporarily Lifts Ban, Allowing Balogun to Play for U.S. Against Belgium
- FIFA has temporarily suspended a one-match ban on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. - Balogun received a red card for stepping on an op…
Belgium 'Astonished' by FIFA's Decision on Balogun's World Cup Ban
- The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to make Folarin Balogun's red card suspension conditional, allowing him to play against Belgium. - FIFA cited a clau…
Belgian FA surprised by FIFA's conditional red card decision for US player Balogun
- The Belgian Football Association expressed surprise and strong disagreement with FIFA's decision to make a red card suspension conditional for American player Folarin Balogun. - Belgium argues the d…
FIFA's controversial suspension of Balogun's ban sparks debate
- FIFA has controversially suspended a one-match ban for US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium. - Balogun received a direct red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ty…
FIFA rescinds Balogun red card, clearing him for US World Cup match; Trump thanks governing body
- FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red card suspension for one year, allowing him to play in the US's next World Cup match. - Balogun received a direct red card in the US's Round of 16 match against B…
US Striker Balogun Cleared to Play After FIFA Overturns Suspension; Trump Thanks FIFA
- US forward Folarin Balogun, initially suspended, is now eligible to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA overturned his red card. - FIFA suspended Balogun's one-year ba…
Belgians Astonished by FIFA's Red Card Decision; Unprecedented Move in World Cup History
- Belgium's football association expressed shock at FIFA's decision to allow a US player to play despite a red card, citing conflicting rules. - FIFA explained the decision was based on a conditional …
Belgium coach mocks FIFA's decision on US player Balogun
- Belgium's coach Rudi García expressed ironic surprise at FIFA allowing US forward Folarin Balogun to play despite a red card suspension. - García questioned the timing, likening it to April Fools' D…
Trump called FIFA president over US player's red card, leading to ban reversal
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review a red card suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun. - Balogun received a straight red card for stepping on …
Belgian FA 'astonished' by FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's suspension
- The Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban. - Belgium argues the decision contradicts competition rules, which auto…
Belgium Protests FIFA Decision to Clear Balogun for US Clash
- The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has protested FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's one-match ban. - This decision allows the US striker to play against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup Rou…
Trump called FIFA chief to review Balogun’s red card — Report
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension. - Balogun received a straight red card, which typically incurs an a…
White House Contacted FIFA Over US Striker's Red Card, Reports Claim
- 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 Presid…
Belgium Erupts Against FIFA Over "Pardon" for Balogun Before Round of 16 Match
- Belgium's football federation has filed a strong complaint with FIFA over the decision to suspend a one-match ban for US forward Folarin Balogun. - The Belgian FA argues this contradicts FIFA's own …
US striker Balogun available for Belgium clash after FIFA suspends red card
- U.S. striker Folarin Balogun is eligible to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his red card suspension. - Balogun received a straight red card for a tackle in t…
FIFA's Discretionary Power Benefits Balogun, Echoes Ronaldo's Past Leniency
- FIFA controversially allowed U.S. player Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup despite a red card, a decision mirroring a past leniency shown to Cristiano Ronaldo. - Ronaldo received a red card f…
World Cup: Trump thanks FIFA for suspending Balogun's ban
- U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun's ban, allowing him to play against Belgium. - Balogun received a red card during a match on Thursday, leading to an automatic…
White House contacted FIFA President Infantino to review Balogun's red card: report
- The White House reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card during a World Cup match. - A source familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, confirm…
FIFA Lifts Balogun's Ban; Trump Celebrates Reversal
- FIFA has lifted the suspension on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout stage. - Balogun was previously suspended for an expulsion during a match against Bosni…
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, making him eligible for next match
- FIFA suspended striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, making him eligible for the next match. - Balogun was controversially sent off in the US team's win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. - Th…
Trump thanks FIFA for overturning Balogun's World Cup red card
- President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for suspending a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. - The suspension allows Balogun to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. - FIFA sus…
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card, allowing him to play vs. Belgium
- FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's red card for one year, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout match against Belgium. - Balogun received the red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle duri…
FIFA clears Balogun for USA-Belgium World Cup clash
- FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun's suspension for the USA's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. - Balogun received a red card in the previous match, triggering an automatic one-game ban. - T…