FIFA suspended two US Soccer staff members for the team's World Cup defeat to Belgium on Monday. Team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer vice-president of security Frank Pannell were not allowed at the match. FIFA has not provided a specific reason for the suspensions.
US Soccer Response
US Soccer did not address the cause of the punishment, though it stated the suspensions were unrelated to the federation's efforts to get Folarin Balogun's red card overturned. According to ESPN, the pair were sanctioned for violating FIFA match protocols and allowing unauthorized access to restricted areas. The suspensions were not due to any physical disputes or confrontations.
Possible Link to Balogun Incident
Front Office Sports reported that the suspensions may stem from Balogun returning to the field to celebrate the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Balogun was sent off in the second half of that match. Players who receive a red card are not permitted to return to the pitch after dismissal.
Staff Background
Zapatka joined US Soccer in 2015 and has held his current position since 2020. Pannell previously worked for the Secret Service, the CIA, and in the private sector, according to an April article in Seton Hall University's newspaper The Setonian.
