US President Donald Trump has thanked FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun's one-game ban after the Monaco forward was sent off during the World Cup. Balogun received a red card in USA's last 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. The suspension would have kept him out of the last 16 tie against Belgium, but FIFA used Article 27 of its disciplinary code to delay the ban for a probationary period of one year.
FIFA's decision and Trump's reaction
A FIFA statement on Sunday read: 'In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.'
Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social, posting: 'Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.' According to Ben Jacobs, the White House made direct contact with FIFA, asking them to review the red card.
No appeal mechanism
There is no mechanism to appeal red cards at the World Cup, so FIFA did not 'reverse' the decision, as Trump suggested. Instead, they used Article 27 to allow Balogun to play in the match against Belgium in Seattle. FIFA previously used the same article to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal's opening games after a three-game ban was reduced.
US Soccer and Pochettino react
US Soccer said in a statement: 'We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.'
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had criticised the red card decision, said: 'For me? Never a red card. Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.'
