FIFA Postpones Disqualification of Top US National Team Scorer After White House Call
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) found itself at the center of a World Cup scandal. For the first time in history, the organization bypassed the red card rule, which mandates an automatic match suspension after receiving one. FIFA allowed US national team striker Folarin Balogun to play in the round of 16 against Belgium.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, December 5, 2025. Photo: AP Photo / Stephanie Scarbrough, Pool, File
Balogun was sent off for a rough foul in the 64th minute of the group stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2:0).
Initially, it was stated that the punishment was not subject to appeal, however, the FIFA disciplinary committee later applied Article 27 of its code and postponed the disqualification, assigning the player a one-year probationary period.
According to sports journalist Ben Jacobs, this decision was due to direct intervention from the White House, which directly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Donald Trump thanked the organization for the decision on Truth Social: "Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and fixing a great injustice!"