Balogun distances himself from Trump-backed FIFA ban reversal after US lose 4-1 to Belgium

Folarin Balogun has distanced himself from the politically charged decision that cleared him to play for the United States against Belgium on Monday, saying the process “had nothing to do with me personally” — even as Donald Trump confirmed he had personally lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to have the ban lifted.

Balogun had been shown a red card in the US’s previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension. That ban was controversially overturned by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, allowing him to feature against Belgium, where the US were beaten 4-1.

“Of course, it’s controversial when the decision is overturned,” Balogun told reporters after the match. “We accepted the decision when I saw the red card, and we accepted the decision when we were told I could play. I was not involved in the process.”

Infantino has maintained that the suspension was lifted solely by FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee, which cited Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code — a provision that permits the discretionary suspension of disciplinary measures. Critics have pointed out that Article 66.4 of the same code states a sending-off “automatically” incurs a ban for the subsequent match, and UEFA declared on Monday that FIFA had “crossed a red line” with the ruling.

FIFA pushed back, arguing that reviewing the legal consequences of red cards is standard practice across top-tier European leagues. The committee said Article 27 was applied due to “specific circumstances” in Balogun’s case, without elaborating further.

The decision may have broader consequences for the remainder of the tournament. The Football Association is reportedly considering its options after defender Jarell Quansah was shown a red card against Mexico, with FIFA’s discretionary use of Article 27 potentially opening the door to challenges on all automatic suspensions at this World Cup.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia offered a measured defence of Balogun after the match, having been approached by the striker to offer his congratulations. “He came to me, I liked that,” Garcia said. “He’s not to blame. He didn’t do anything wrong. I respect him.”

The Belgian football association has not yet confirmed whether it considers the matter closed following the earlier dismissal of its appeal against Balogun’s reinstatement. FIFA continues to face scrutiny over alleged political interference in the disciplinary process.