UEFA condemns FIFA reversal of Balogun ban after Trump call

A major controversy has erupted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the governing body suspended a mandatory one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a crucial knockout match following a personal intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision has drawn fierce condemnation from football authorities across Europe, who warn it threatens the integrity of the tournament.

Balogun received a straight red card during the U.S. team's round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under FIFA's tournament regulations, such a dismissal triggers an automatic one-match suspension, which the Monaco forward was set to serve during the co-host's last 16 match against Belgium on Monday, July 6, in Seattle.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday, July 5, that the ban would be suspended for a one-year probationary period, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code. Multiple sources confirmed that President Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the suspension. Trump later publicly thanked FIFA for "reversing a great injustice," stating he did not believe the...