Balogun comments on Trump's controversial FIFA intervention
Sky Sports Football • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 3:52 PM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Folarin Balogun acknowledged that President Trump’s involvement in lifting his World Cup suspension was destined to spark controversy. After receiving a red card in the USA's last-32 match against Bosnia, FIFA suspended Balogun's ban for a year, enabling his participation against Belgium. Balogun expressed mixed emotions about the situation and noted increased pressure on his teammates. In response, the human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with the IOC, alleging breaches of political neutrality by FIFA officials during the intervention. FIFA has yet to clarify the rationale behind the suspension of Balogun's ban.
- •Balogun received a red card against Bosnia in the round of 32.
- •FIFA suspended his one-match ban for a year after Trump's intervention.
- •FairSquare alleges FIFA breached political neutrality rules.
- •Balogun expressed shock at the red card decision.
- •The USA faced Belgium in the last-16 match.
"USA striker Folarin Balogun predicted President Trump's involvement in overturning his World Cup suspension would "cause a lot of controversy".
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