Home / Sports / FIFA Reverses Balogun Red Card After Trump Call
FIFA Reverses Balogun Red Card After Trump Call
6 Jul
Summary
- Balogun's red card suspension was overturned by FIFA.
- President Trump reportedly influenced FIFA's decision.
- This is the first such reversal in the World Cup since 1962.
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun will now be available for the team's Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday. FIFA announced on Sunday that it had reversed the one-game ban Balogun received after being sent off during the Round of 32. This decision followed an incident where Balogun stepped on the ankle of an opponent.
According to an anonymous source, President Donald Trump contacted FIFA head Gianni Infantino, advocating for the ban's reversal. Trump later expressed his gratitude on social media, calling the decision a correction of a "great injustice." This marks an unusual event in World Cup history, as it is the first time since 1962 that a red card suspension has been overturned.
The reversal has drawn mixed reactions. J.J. Watt, a prominent supporter of the USMNT, expressed his elation after previously criticizing FIFA's handling of the incident. Conversely, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia criticized the decision, likening it to an April Fools' Day prank and questioning the integrity of the tournament.
Other NFL figures, including Robert Griffin III and Tom Brady, also reacted to the news. Griffin shared a shocked expression, while Brady confidently predicted a goal from Balogun in the upcoming match. The incident has sparked significant discussion among athletes and fans regarding FIFA's disciplinary procedures.
