Trump thanks FIFA for lifting Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension ahead of Belgium showdown
The U.S. President Donald Trump has thanked world’s football governing body FIFA after its disciplinary committee suspended star forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban.
Balogun was set to miss the United States of America’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday after he was shown a straight red for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0.
However, FIFA has now confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the 25-year-old would be available to face Belgium following the decision to suspend his ban for a one-year probationary period, with warning he must not commit a similar offence within the duration.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.
It added, “If Folarin Balogun commits 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.”
Reacting to the development, Mr Trump appreciated FIFA for overturning the suspension, which he described as injustice, stating “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President Donald J. Trump.”
In its reaction to the decision, the United States of America’s football federation said, “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.
“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Balogun has been the standout man for the United States of America at the World Cup, scoring three goals so far.
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