Lead U.S. Men’s National Team scorer Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play in the World Cup match against Belgium tomorrow, after FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted a red card suspension he received on Wednesday.
Balogun’s reinstatement came after President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday and spoke about the suspension against the 25-year-old striker, sources familiar with the call told CBS News. Sources said Mr. Trump spoke to Infantino directly in a short conversation. Infantino told the president that FIFA’s disciplinary committee would look into it, according to one of the sources.
Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup task force, also spoke to Infantino about the situation and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick was also in communication with FIFA.
Spokespeople for the White House, Lutnick and Giuliani did not immediately respond to CBS News’ request for comment.
The phone call was first reported by The New York Times, and the reversal was first reported by The Athletic and confirmed by U.S. Soccer. The organization said that it is “pleased” that Balogun will be able to compete at the match in Seattle, Washington. The winner of the match will advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.
FIFA did not revoke the red card entirely. The organization said in a statement that Balogun is on probation for one year, and if he “commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced.”
Referees called it a “serious foul” when Balogun collided with a Bosnian defender while trying to get in position for a pass in the second half of the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun raked his cleats down the player’s leg and landed on his ankle. Balogun was sent off after a referee punished him with a red card following a VAR review. The U.S. went on to win the match, but Balogun’s suspension was set to keep him from Monday’s game.
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The call was immediately controversial: Red cards are meant to be used for intentionally dirty plays, and Balogun’s actions appeared accidental. Players on the USMNT told CBS News they disagreed with the decision. Typically, red card suspensions are not eligible for appeal.
FIFA or U.S. Soccer did not say why the decision was overturned. A spokesperson for U.S. Soccer said the organization was “engaged in the process” to get Balogun back.
In a statement, the Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the organization said.
The disciplinary committee reserves the right to fully or partially suspend disciplinary action. A similar decision was made for Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up a red card against Ireland that would have kept him from playing in Portugal’s opening World Cup match.
President Trump posted on social media praising FIFA’s decision, saying the organization did “what was right” and reversed “a great injustice.”
Star USMNT player Christian Pulisic told CBS News that Balogun is “super happy” with the decision, as is the rest of the team.
“Just a big smile on his face and all of ours,” Pulisic said.
Pulisic and fellow USMNT players Alex Freeman and Chris Richards told CBS News that they are focused on mentally preparing for the match on Monday. Pulisic said that Balogun has been practicing with the team despite the suspension, and Freeman said no matter what, Balogun had intended to “be here for the team.”
With Balogun’s suspension lifted, he will be able to “bring physicality” and “hold up play,” Freeman said. Richards said that Balogun’s return “gives us a little bit more confidence” heading into the match.
“He brings a lot of space, a lot of power,” Freeman said.
Balogun has scored three goals so far in the World Cup. His offensive presence will likely be on display against Belgium, as the USMNT looks to enter the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
