Donald Trump hails FIFA for ‘reversing great injustice’ over Folarin Balogun ban
Kenneth Fox
Donald Trump has hailed a decision by FIFA’s disciplinary committee to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to participate in the World Cup co-hosts’ last-16 clash against Belgium.
The Monaco forward, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was dismissed for his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his single-match ban has now been suspended for a probationary period of one year.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, should the 25-year-old commit “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement”.
Writing on his Truth Social account, President Trump said: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
A post by the official White House account on X read “USA-USA-USA” followed by a bald eagle emoji.
A FIFA disciplinary committee statement read: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”
Balogun’s availability is a big boost for boss Mauricio Pochettino, with the 25-year-old just two goals behind the USA’s all-time top scorer at World Cups, Landon Donovan, who registered five.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" by FIFA's decision to declare Balogun eligible to play in the match, pointing to the rule book while it investigated all potential options.
"FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction," the RBFA said.
"However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup."
It said the decision was in direct contradiction with the provisions of the tournament's Regulations.
"As set out in Article 10.5: 'If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match,'" the RBFA added.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was able to play his side's opening World Cup matches after FIFA suspended the final two games of a three-match ban last year when he was sent off in their penultimate qualifying match against Ireland.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was handed a five-match ban after receiving a red card for a tackle that seriously injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone during a group match at the tournament.
In 1962, Brazil great Garrincha was sent off in the semi-final but he was cleared to play the final after a successful appeal backed by Chilean fans and President Jorge Alessandri, helping his side beat Czechoslovakia 3-1.
Additional reporting by Reuters
