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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy
WTO urges Africa to boost regional value chains, industrialisation
WTO urged African countries to strengthen regional value chains, industrialisation and infrastructure to increase their influence in global trade.

Abuja
Abuja: Kwali ruler pledges support for Tinubu’s re-election
The Etsu of Kwali, Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, has pledged the support of traditional rulers and Abuja residents for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

States
Police arrest suspects over murder of Edo motorcyclist
The police command in Edo says it arrested three suspects over the killing of commercial motorcycle rider Hamisu Sule on Sapele Road to Urhobo Quarters, Ogheghe community.

Lagos
After days of blackout, electricity restored to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, others: Minister Tegbe
“I would like to report that power has since been restored to many of the areas earlier affected by power disruptions, largely in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and the FCT,” he said.

Education
Babcock launches probe amid death scare after student attempted to jump off hostel
Babcock said it had commenced an investigation to establish the immediate and underlying circumstances of the attempted jump and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.

Ibadan
Police nab two alleged Ibadan fraudsters
The police command in Oyo says it arrested two alleged fraudsters, Gbenga Olubade, 42, and Oluwaseun Adeoye, 50, on suspicion of theft in Ibadan.





