Trump’s FIFA call fuels backlash over Balogun red card reversal

FIFA cleared Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium after reversing a one-match suspension and a $40,000 fine tied to his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The change came after President Donald Trump confirmed he had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review of the punishment.

Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the United States’ Round of 32 win on July 1, 2026, after a challenge on Tarik Muharemović. FIFA’s disciplinary committee initially ruled on July 5 that Balogun was guilty of both infringements, imposed the suspension and fine, and said the ban was suspended on probation for one year. Under that ruling, Balogun was expected to miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6.

FIFA later lifted the suspension and made the U.S. striker eligible for the match at Seattle Stadium. The reversal drew an immediate backlash from Belgium’s football federation, which said it was astonished by the decision. FIFA responded that Belgium was not a party to the proceedings and therefore had no standing to appeal.

The dispute quickly became larger than one player’s disciplinary record. Former FIFA referee Christina Unkel said lifting the ban “goes against competition integrity,” a warning that cut to the core of FIFA’s claim that its sanctions are insulated from political pressure. FIFA’s own explanation said its disciplinary committee has the authority to review and publish decisions and that its World Cup regulations and disciplinary rules govern red-card sanctions and appeals, a reminder that the governing body is now defending not just the ruling but the process behind it.

The episode also exposed how close FIFA and Trump have become during the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has highlighted Trump’s support for tournament preparations, and Infantino has repeatedly met with him on World Cup matters. That relationship is now under sharper scrutiny because the Balogun reversal followed a direct presidential appeal.

The controversy sits alongside another FIFA-related dispute this summer: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States in June over vetting concerns. Together, the cases have sharpened questions about whether World Cup governance can remain independent when state power is repeatedly pulled into its decisions.