FIFA Overturns US Star Striker Balogun’s Red Card After Trump Called Infantino

FIFA has suspended a one-match ban given to United States striker Folarin Balogun for his straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32.

The striker had received a straight red card during the US’ match against Bosnia, which normally would have ruled him out of the next game.

However, FIFA surprised football fans on Sunday by announcing that Balogun’s one-match suspension had been put on hold.

It was gathered that U.S President Donald Trump privately contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card.

Trump and Infantino have maintained a close public relationship over the years.

The U.S president is also expected to take part in the trophy presentation after the World Cup final on July 19.

Their relationship was highlighted in December when FIFA presented Trump with its first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw.

Soon after FIFA confirmed that Balogun was eligible to face Belgium in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match, Trump welcomed the decision on social media.

The U.S President thanked FIFA for overturning what he described as an unfair ruling but did not say he had influenced the outcome.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote in his social media statement.

In explaining its decision, FIFA pointed to Article 27 of its disciplinary regulations, which gives its judicial body the authority to suspend all or part of a disciplinary sanction.

As part of the ruling, Balogun’s red card suspension has been postponed for one year, allowing him to play immediately unless further action is taken during that period.

Before Foloran Balogun’s case, FIFA had only once allowed a player sent off in one match to appear in the next during a World Cup.

That happened in 1962 when Brazilian star Garrincha was cleared to play in the final despite being shown a red card in the semifinal.

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