UEFA is furious. European football’s governing body publicly condemned FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s mandatory one-match ban right before the United States faces Belgium in today’s World Cup Round of 16. UEFA called it an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” They made it clear that treating an automatic red card suspension as optional puts the integrity of the game at stake.
Balogun earned a straight red card following a VAR review for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. That happened during the USA’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. A minimum one-match suspension is standard procedure. But FIFA bypassed that rule by invoking Article 27 of its disciplinary code. This rare mechanism gives their judicial committee veto power to suspend disciplinary measures.
The intervention led UEFA to state that FIFA crossed a red line by handing the striker a one-year probationary period instead of an immediate ban.
The reversal followed intense diplomatic pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump placed direct phone calls to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while a White House World Cup taskforce explored threats of legal action. Trump later posted on Truth Social to thank FIFA for “doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium is now forced to adjust. The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at the ruling. They accused FIFA of violating World Cup Circular No 16. The Belgian FA is currently investigating potential legal options ahead of kickoff.
The USMNT steps onto the pitch later today. Balogun already has three goals in the tournament, and he is now fully cleared to start against Belgium.