06.07.2026, 10:43 Uhr
Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter has condemned alleged influence of United States president Donald Trump in having a red card suspension for American World Cup player Folarin Balogun suspended by the ruling football body.
"Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies," Blatter said on X on Monday.
"If a US President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?
"Football must never become a playground for political power."
Balogun was sent off in the US team's 2-0 victory in the last 32 over Bosnia-Herzegovina and was to be suspended for the round of 16 match later Monday against Belgium.
But FIFA said on Sunday that it had suspended the ban over a one-year period, making him eligible to play. American news reports said later, citing sources familiar with the case, that Trump had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the matter.
Belgium's FA said it was "astonished" that Balogun is allowed to play and there has been wide-ranging criticism on the FIFA decision and the alleged political influence.
Neither FIFA nor the White House are yet to comment on the issue. FIFA has also given now reason why it decided to suspend Balogun's suspension.
Balogun is a key player for the co-hosts and has scored three goals at the tournament. His participation raises the chances of the US team to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
Source: Dpa-international.com
