Balogun starts for USA against Belgium despite FIFA red-card controversy and legal threat

Folarin Balogun will start for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended his one-match ban, overturning a red card he received against Bosnia & Herzegovina in only the second such reversal in World Cup history.

The decision has drawn fierce criticism from across football. UEFA expressed “disbelief”, describing the overturn as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”, while the Belgian FA announced it would formally contest Balogun’s eligibility to play in the match, having previously stated it was “deeply concerned” by the situation.

Despite the controversy, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino handed Balogun a place in his starting line-up. The forward has scored three goals at the tournament so far and will be looking to add to that tally against Belgium.

Balogun was also fined $40,000 (approximately £29,800) by FIFA in connection with the original red card, even as the suspension itself was lifted. Half of that fine is to be paid by the US Soccer Federation.

The episode was further complicated by the involvement of US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed in a lengthy public statement that he had received a call from Trump on the matter, though he was careful to stress the independence of FIFA’s judicial process.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent,” Infantino wrote. “They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”

Infantino acknowledged the call directly, placing it in the context of routine high-level contact. “I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues,” he said.

He added that during the conversation he explained there was an ongoing legal process and that the case would be decided by the competent bodies in due course. Infantino also noted that he does not always agree with the committee’s rulings but said he would always respect them.