22 sources·Started 22d ago·Updated 22d ago

FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's ban sparks controversy

Folarin BalogunFIFAUEFADonald TrumpGianni InfantinoBélgicaEstados UnidosMauricio Pochettino

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FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban for US striker Folarin Balogun after his red card against Bosnia, allowing him to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. The decision, based on Article 27 of FIFA's disciplinary code, has drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, Belgium, and others, with allegations of political interference.

What happened

Balogun was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 32. FIFA's disciplinary committee applied Article 27 to suspend the ban for a one-year probationary period. Source: CNN The move came after reports that US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. Source: lavanguardia

Reactions

UEFA called the decision "incomprehensible, unjustifiable" and said FIFA "crossed a red line." Source: elmundoes
The Belgian FA expressed "astonishment" and is considering legal action, citing Article 66.4 that mandates automatic suspension for red cards. Source: abces
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken called it "a big mistake." Source: infobae

Disagreement

While UEFA insists the rules leave no room for discretion, FIFA argues Article 27 allows suspending sanctions. US coach Mauricio Pochettino defended the decision, saying "99.9% agree it was an unjust red." Source: infobae Trump thanked FIFA for "doing the right thing." Source: elnacionalve

Story timeline · 20 earlier headlines

FIFA suspends Balogun red card ban ahead of Belgium clash22d ago · 3 sources
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Red Card Suspension, Allows Him to Face Belgium22d ago · 4 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's ban, allowing US star to play Belgium22d ago · 4 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card suspension, allowing him to play Belgium22d ago · 4 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, star to play for US against Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Ban, Allowing Him to Play vs Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun ban; US star available vs. Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA Suspends Red Card Sanction, Balogun Cleared for Belgium Clash22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, allows him to play against Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, allowing him to play Belgium22d ago · 7 sources
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Red Card Suspension, Allows Him to Face Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Ban, Trump Celebrates, Belgium Protests22d ago · 6 sources
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Red-Card Ban, Allowing Him to Play Belgium22d ago · 4 sources
FIFA Overturns Balogun's Red Card, Allowing Him to Play Against Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun ban, allowing US star to play Belgium22d ago · 7 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card suspension, sparking outrage from Belgium22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA lifts Balogun's suspension, sparks controversy before USA-Belgium match22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's ban, sparking controversy ahead of US-Belgium match22d ago · 5 sources
FIFA lifts Balogun's suspension, sparking controversy ahead of US-Belgium match22d ago · 6 sources
FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban amid political controversy22d ago · 6 sources
FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's ban sparks controversycurrent

Sources

7 quotes

CNN↗

“La FIFA explicó que su comisión disciplinaria aplicó el Artículo 27 de su código, que permite suspender total o parcialmente la implementación de una sanción bajo un período de prueba.”

elmundoes↗

“La UEFA ha criticado duramente la decisión "sin precedentes, incomprensible e injustificable" de la FIFA de suspender la sanción por la tarjeta roja al delantero estadounidense Folarin Balogun, que podrá jugar los octavos de final del Mundial contra Bélgica, y ha asegurado que "ha cruzado una línea roja".”

abces↗

“La Federación belga se ha mostrado «asombrada» por esta decisión, que considera contradictoria, y ha anunciado que «estudia medidas» para «salvaguardar los derechos» de todos los equipos del Mundial y «proteger los principios fundamentales del juego limpio».”

infobae↗

“"Ha sido un gran error por parte de la FIFA. Le amonestaron, entró el VAR y fue expulsado. Entonces, debería estar sancionado un partido", juzgó este domingo el entrenador de Noruega.”

infobae↗

“"El 99,9% está de acuerdo con que fue una roja injusta", dijo en rueda de prensa, recordando que esa expulsión les pudo costar el Mundial.”

lavanguardia↗

“La posibilidad de que Balogun pueda jugar ante Bélgica, según un informe del New York Times, fue gracias a las presiones vía telefónica que realizó el presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, al máximo mandatario de la FIFA, Gianni Infantino.”

elnacionalve↗