FIFA overturned US star striker Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after a personal phone call from President Donald Trump, it has been revealed. Balogun had been set to miss Monday's last-16 knockout clash with Belgium after receiving a straight red card following video review for stepping on the foot of a Bosnian defender in a round-of-32 clash that the US won 2-0. However, the player will now be available to play in the World Cup co-hosts' showdown with Belgium following the overturning of the red card decision.
FIFA's decision and Trump's involvement
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban, which cannot be appealed by the player's team. But world football's governing body said Sunday the ban will now be suspended for a year, in a stunning move for which no specific explanation was offered. It was gathered that Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino asking him to review Balogun's punishment.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after FIFA's decision.
Belgian officials react with outrage
The decision was slammed by Belgian football officials, who released a statement saying they are "astonished" by a move that is in "direct contradiction" with FIFA's own rules. The Royal Belgian Football Association is "investigating all potential options" to "safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport," it said.
"I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup, the 5th of July is now the 1st of April, and that it's April Fool's Day," added Belgium coach Rudi Garcia at a press conference.
