Folarin Balogun participated in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup match against Belgium after a last-minute decision by FIFA. This was unexpected because he was initially ruled out due to a red card from a previous game.
The ruling on his eligibility added to an ongoing controversy. Many argued Balogun should not have received the red card. Despite an appeal and strong reactions from the Belgian side, FIFA allowed him to play.
Following the match, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the U.S., Balogun approached Belgium’s manager, Rudi Garcia. Garcia appreciated the gesture, stating, “He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame.”
The Athletic reported that FIFA’s disciplinary code allows for suspension of disciplinary measures. This code provides that if a similar violation occurs during a probationary period, the initial sanction will be enforced again.
“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,” the rule states.
President Donald Trump admitted he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card decision. Trump expressed, “I didn’t think it was a foul. It was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled.” He also stated that it was important for top players to participate in games.
Following Trump’s intervention, the U.S. team remains out of the tournament. Belgium progresses to face Spain. The U.S. team looks forward to the 2032 World Cup.
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