What Is FIFA's Clarification On Lifting Red Card Ban For US Player Folarin Balogun After Alleged Trump Lobbying?
Washington DC, United States: FIFA has lifted the red-card ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun during the team’s game with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lifting of the suspension from the world cup was allegedly after lobbing from US president Donald Trump. Balogun was given a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday and was suspended for the next game.
Notably, in its official notification, the football association did not provide a specific reason for lifting the red-card. FIFA said that Balogun’s probationary period will be revoked and the one-game suspension enforced if he commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity.
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There are sound reports that Trump lobbied FIFA to lift the striker’s red card by allegedly making three calls to the world governing body for soccer/football, FIFA to ensure the change was made, according to a report by The Guardian.
Notably, FIFA’s U-turn in lifting the world cup ban for the US striker gives huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
NEW: President Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, according to the NYT.
Balogun was given a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday and was suspended for the next game.
FIFA… pic.twitter.com/svJl6f4N3g
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 5, 2026
