Donald Trump has thanked FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun's one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup, a decision that allows the midfielder to feature for the USA in their round of 16 showdown with Belgium.
Red Card Incident and FIFA's Decision
Balogun received a red card during the USA's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday after dragging his studs down the back of Tarik Muharemovic's calf. Despite the dismissal, he will not serve the customary one-match suspension, following FIFA's unusual decision to defer it for 12 months.
A statement from world football's governing body read: "In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."
Trump's Reaction
The announcement was warmly received by President Trump, who wasted no time in taking to Truth Social to express his gratitude towards FIFA. He wrote: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
As a result, Balogun will be available for the crucial round of 16 encounter with Belgium, set to take place in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Seattle.
Political and Coaching Reactions
The development follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio being among those who called for the one-match ban to be reconsidered. Speaking about the match during a news conference, he said: "It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that."
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino also addressed the media, explaining: "For me? Never a red card. Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident."
White House Involvement and Player Reaction
GiveMeSport reports that the White House were in direct contact with Gianni Infantino to appeal for a review of the ban, although the same publication cites that they will have had no influence over the decision due to the powers in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary committee.
According to The Athletic, Chris Richards spoke about the moment Balogun learned he would be available for selection, revealing: "Ultimately we found out on social media." When asked about Balogun's reaction, Richards added with a chuckle: "Lit, you know?"
FIFA's Disciplinary Code Flexibility
The development comes amid some flexibility within FIFA's disciplinary code concerning player suspensions. The code reads: "The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."
