Trump steps in to save US striker from red‑card ban

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:06:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former President Trump says he asked FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun’s one‑match ban after a controversial red card, sparking a global debate about fairness in football.

At the World Cup, US forward Folarin Balogun was sent off for a foul and was set to miss the last‑16 match. Trump claimed he asked FIFA to review the decision, and the governing body suspended the ban for a year. UEFA, Belgium and England’s coach Thomas Tuchel reacted angrily, saying the ruling threatens the sport’s integrity. FIFA’s appeal committee confirmed the player is eligible to play, but the controversy continues as the Dutch, Swiss, and others question FIFA’s authority and the referee’s judgement.

Trump steps in to save US striker from red‑card ban

At the World Cup, US midfielder Folarin Balogun was sent off for a heavy tackle and was set to be suspended for the next match against Belgium.

Former President Donald Trump told reporters he’d asked FIFA to review the suspension because he believed the foul was not severe enough for a red card. FIFA complied, putting the ban under a 12‑month suspension and allowing Balogun to play the last‑16 game in Seattle.

The move sparked fury in European football. UEFA warned that denying a suspension “would damage the integrity of the game”, and England coach Thomas Tuchel said the decision set a dangerous precedent.

Critics also took issue with referee Raphael Claus’s decision. The Brazilian federation defended him, while the Swiss and French authorities questioned FIFA’s authority to overturn a referee’s call.

Despite the controversy, FIFA’s appeal panel confirmed Balogun is eligible to play, stating that Belgium had no standing in the appeal process. The dispute continues as other clubs and associations argue over the fairness of the ruling and the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary bodies.