FIFA has controversially suspended the red card issued to US star striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. This decision came after US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of the red card. Balogun received the red card for stepping awkwardly on Tarik Muharemovic's ankle during the US's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, which typically results in an automatic one-match ban.
The decision by FIFA has sparked outrage and criticism from various quarters, including the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), UEFA, and former FIFA officials. Critics argue that allowing political intervention to overturn a disciplinary decision undermines the integrity of the tournament and sets a dangerous precedent. The RBFA accused FIFA of violating its own rules, specifically Articles 66.4 of the disciplinary code and 10.5 of the World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, both of which mandate an automatic one-match suspension for a red card.
FIFA defended its decision by citing Article 27 of its disciplinary committee rules, which allows the judicial body to suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure, subject to a probationary period. In Balogun's case, the suspension was for a probationary period of one year. This marks the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup has not resulted in a suspension, further fueling the controversy. US coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed approval, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia sarcastically likened the decision to an April Fools' joke, emphasizing its impact on the sport's fairness.
