The United States received a major boost before Monday’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium in Seattle after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban. The decision followed a call from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
The move pushed FIFA’s disciplinary process into the spotlight and triggered an immediate response from Belgium. Broadcasters, former players and pundits also turned the decision into one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.
Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Officials later sent him off after a VAR review for planting his boot into the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.
Mauricio Pochettino argued against the decision after the match and welcomed FIFA’s latest ruling in Seattle.
“I think 99.9% of people in football have said this is an unfair punishment and there’s evidence from the past that makes it possible to suspend a punishment and to fulfil it later on, so I don’t understand how people can be surprised.”
“This has happened in the past. It’s not something extraordinary that has only happened for us, it has happened in the past.”
FIFA kept the red card in place but delayed the suspension. The governing body cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code.
“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.”
Trump welcomed the decision on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium challenged the decision before the match. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it stood “astonished” and pointed to tournament regulations and disciplinary rules as it explored possible options.
Thomas Tuchel also questioned the process after England’s win over Mexico.
“Who overturns this decision then and when? And on what grounds? How far does this go now? This is strange for me.”
