Balogun suspension lifted, Trump call to FIFA questioned | OneFootball

FIFA’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension after his red card has sparked an outcry, with Trump’s call to Gianni Infantino under scrutiny. According to Le Progres, the White House pushed to clear the striker to face Belgium in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina for a studs-up challenge from behind on defender Tarik Muharemovic. The automatic ban was subsequently revoked.

The US president telephoned Infantino and said on Monday that he had asked for a review because he did not believe it was a foul. Lobbying continued for several days before the sanction was lifted.

UEFA criticised the reversal on Monday, saying an automatic one-match suspension after a red card is not discretionary, requires no decision to apply, and cannot be excepted mid-tournament when other players have served bans.

Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter echoed that stance, arguing that red cards are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies, not political phone calls, and warning that football should not become a playground for political power.

Infantino said on Monday night that Trump had called him and that FIFA’s disciplinary bodies are independent, adding that a legal process was under way and would be decided in due course by the competent organs. FIFA cited article 27 of its disciplinary code, which permits the disciplinary committee to lift a measure and place the player on probation for one to four years.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken suggested that if the United States beat Belgium, the issue would linger, and Belgium would be furious if Balogun scores or plays well.

Source: Le Progres