FIFA overturns US star striker Balogun's red card after Trump calls Infantino 8h ago

FIFA has overturned the red card ban issued to US star striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The decision follows a personal phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which prompted the disciplinary committee to suspend Balogun's one-game ban for a one-year probationary period. Balogun received the straight red card during a round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in California for stepping on a defender's foot. While US officials and coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed the reversal, Belgian officials expressed astonishment, claiming the move contradicts FIFA's rules and undermines fair play. The Royal Belgian Football Association is currently investigating options to protect the rights of participating teams. This controversial decision comes as the US co-hosts aim for a historic run toward the quarter-finals on home soil.















