Blatter criticizes Trump's alleged role in Balogun's red card suspension
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 8:34 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned the alleged political influence behind the suspension of American World Cup player Folarin Balogun's red card. Balogun was sent off during the US team's 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout stage. Following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA announced it had temporarily suspended Balogun's ban, allowing him to participate in the round of 16 match against Belgium. Belgium's FA has expressed astonishment at the decision and there is widespread criticism regarding political intervention in football.
- •Blatter said red card suspensions should not be influenced politically.
- •Balogun was sent off in the US's knockout match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- •FIFA has temporarily suspended Balogun's one-match ban.
- •Belgium's FA is astonished by Balogun's eligibility to play.
- •Balogun is a key player for the US, scoring three goals in the tournament.
- 9:39 AMYahoo Sports — Sepp Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Folarin Balogun red card decision
- 9:05 AMYahoo Sports — Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter hits out at Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card
- 8:34 AMYahoo Sports — Former FIFA president Blatter joins critics in Balogun red card case
"Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned alleged influence of United States president Donald Trump in having a red card suspension for American World Cup player Folarin Balogun suspended by the ruling football body. "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls.
"FIFA’s controversial decision to overrule Folarin Balogun’s red card has not gone down well with Sepp Blatter. On Sunday, it was announced that the United States striker, Balogun, would now be eligible to face Belgium on Monday.
"Sepp Blatter has hit out at the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:39 AMSepp Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Folarin Balogun red card decision
Sepp Blatter has hit out at the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:05 AMFormer FIFA president Sepp Blatter hits out at Folarin Balogun’s overturned red card
FIFA’s controversial decision to overrule Folarin Balogun’s red card has not gone down well with Sepp Blatter. On Sunday, it was announced that the United States striker, Balogun, would now be eligible to face Belgium on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 8:34 AMFormer FIFA president Blatter joins critics in Balogun red card case
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned alleged influence of United States president Donald Trump in having a red card suspension for American World Cup player Folarin Balogun suspended by the ruling football body. "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls.
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