Donald Trump has expressed his gratitude to FIFA after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup, a decision that allows the striker to play for the United States in their round of 16 matchup against Belgium.
Balogun received a red card during the USA's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday after dragging his studs down Tarik Muharemovic's calf and connecting with his ankle. Under normal circumstances, a red card carries a mandatory one-match suspension.
However, FIFA took the unusual step of suspending the punishment for one year. In a statement, the world governing body said: "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 Praises FIFA's Decision
The ruling delighted President Trump, who quickly took to Truth Social to voice his appreciation. He wrote: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Balogun will now be available for the crucial last-16 tie against Belgium, scheduled for early Tuesday morning in Seattle. The decision follows calls from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others to reconsider the ban.
Speaking at a news conference, Rubio 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."
Reactions from Coach and Teammates
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters: "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."
According to The Athletic, teammate Chris Richards described the moment Balogun learned he would be available for selection. Richards said: "Ultimately we found out on social media. Lit, you know?" he added, chuckling.
FIFA's Disciplinary Code Allows Flexibility
The news highlights flexibility within FIFA's disciplinary code regarding player suspensions. The code states: "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."
