FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban after Trump intervention

FIFA suspended a one-match ban for US forward Folarin Balogun following a red card in the World Cup, allowing him to play against Belgium. The decision followed a call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

By Belfast Herald Sport1 min read

FIFA suspended the one-match ban for Folarin Balogun after he received a straight red card during the US's 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The suspension was granted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which permits such measures.

US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card decision. The call occurred shortly after the match, and a subsequent review led to the ban's suspension.

Balogun had scored two goals in the tournament and was the USMNT's top scorer before the incident. His availability for the round-of-16 match against Belgium was confirmed by FIFA on Sunday.