Rights group plans complaint to IOC against Infantino over Trump support

European lawmakers are calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the organization's decision to overturn a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun. The lawmakers are questioning whether pressure from US President Donald Trump influenced this unprecedented move, which allowed Balogun to play in a match against Belgium despite receiving a red card earlier. A letter circulating in the European parliament urges EU football associations to request a formal FIFA review of the decision-making process and any potential political interference. FIFA stated its disciplinary committee made the decision, while Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to reconsider the case, deeming the red card "horrible." UEFA described the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."

Two staff members of the U.S. soccer team, team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell, were suspended by FIFA from the team's round of 16 World Cup game against Belgium. FIFA did not provide a reason for the suspensions. The U.S. Soccer Federation also did not offer an explanation, stating only that the suspensions were unrelated to the successful appeal to lift forward Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension. The U.S. team was subsequently eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Belgium 4-1.

The article suggests a pattern of sporting defeat following Donald Trump's presence or intervention. It cites the US Men's National Soccer Team's World Cup exit after Trump asked FIFA to overturn a red card, which was reversed, leading to their subsequent loss. Other examples include the New York Knicks losing after Trump attended an NBA finals game, the Washington Commanders losing an NFL game he attended, and weather delays impacting the Daytona 500 when he was grand marshal. The Ryder Cup and a college football championship game also saw US teams lose when Trump was present. The article contrasts these outcomes with Trump's public claims of constant winning.

FIFA has faced criticism for reversing a red card issued to USA forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Balogun received the card for an on-field incident, which would have resulted in a one-game suspension for the match against Belgium. However, FIFA suspended the red card after US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case. Experts suggest this intervention sets a dangerous precedent, potentially influenced by Trump's agenda and FIFA's pursuit of revenue. FIFA stated its judicial committees are independent, but Infantino confirmed his conversation with Trump, explaining he receives calls from various global leaders. The decision has drawn outrage and questions from other national team coaches about the fairness and consistency of FIFA's disciplinary process.

Dozens of European lawmakers are seeking an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino by the European Parliament. The probe is prompted by FIFA's decision to lift a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a recent match. Lawmakers allege that U.S. President Donald Trump intervened with Infantino on Balogun's behalf. They criticize FIFA's rule change mid-tournament as a "perversion of justice" and a surrender to the Trump administration. The lawmakers are urging EU national football associations to push the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino regarding potential pressure from the Trump administration and other breaches of political neutrality. FIFA stated the suspension lift was a disciplinary committee decision.

FIFA has suspended a one-match ban on USA striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a crucial World Cup match against Belgium. This decision followed a request for review from US President Donald Trump, who stated he believed the original red card for Balogun was unwarranted. The intervention has divided American supporters, with some viewing it as an unfair advantage and a "stain" on any potential victory, while others argue the red card itself was unjust. FIFA maintains that its independent judicial bodies made the decision, though the timing and Trump's involvement have drawn criticism and praise, with Belgian officials reportedly infuriated.

Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in a World Cup last-16 match in Seattle on July 6, 2026. The game was overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to overturn a ban on USA forward Folarin Balogun, a decision reportedly influenced by US President Donald Trump. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin stated the win felt like justice following this FIFA decision. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also finding the net. The Belgian team's goal celebration mimicked President Trump's signature dance move, drawing mockery on social media. Belgium fans chanted "FIFA Mafia" before the match, criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino's perceived inaction on other matters.

Folarin Balogun played a minimal role in the United States' 4-1 World Cup round of 16 loss to Belgium on Monday, despite his suspension being controversially lifted. Balogun had received a red card in a previous match but FIFA reinstated him after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened. This decision led to criticism from soccer leaders, with UEFA stating FIFA "crossed a red line" and Belgium questioning Balogun's eligibility. While Balogun assisted Malik Tillman's goal, he did not score himself and was unable to get past Belgium's goalkeeper. He finished the tournament with three goals, matching a U.S. record for a single World Cup.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup, eliminating the cohosts from the tournament. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku adding goals. Malik Tillman scored the lone goal for the USA. The match was preceded by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's starting place after FIFA controversially overturned his one-game suspension. Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinals. The USA's performance was described as flat, and the team conceded an early goal which deflated the atmosphere.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. The victory was significant for Belgium, who felt they overcame an injustice after FIFA suspended a red card previously issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun's red card, given in a previous match, had been overturned, allowing him to play against Belgium, a decision that reportedly involved lobbying from Donald Trump and was called "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" by UEFA. Belgian players stated the controversy motivated them, with their social media posting "Overturn this" after the win. Manager Rudi Garcia downplayed the incident's impact on their game plan.

FIFA is facing controversy over its decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a red card, a move reportedly influenced by a call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This incident echoes past World Cup controversies, including a premature whistle in 1930, the 1962 case of Brazilian player Garrincha whose red card was overturned after political intervention, and the 1973 World Cup qualifier where Chile played an empty net against the Soviet Union after the USSR refused to play in a stadium used as a detention center by the Pinochet regime. These events highlight a history of questionable decisions and political interference surrounding FIFA's premier tournament.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirmed he received a call from US President Donald Trump before Folarin Balogun, a US forward, was cleared to play against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card in a previous match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, leading to a suspension. Following Trump's call to Infantino to advocate for Balogun, Fifa lifted the suspension. The Belgian football federation challenged this decision, and the European football body Uefa called it an "incomprehensible" breach of rules. Trump acknowledged his call and claimed credit for Fifa reviewing the red card.

The Belgian soccer federation is challenging FIFA's decision to allow U.S. forward Folarin Balogun to play in a World Cup match despite a previous red card. Belgium, set to face the U.S. for a quarterfinal spot, has not received an explanation from FIFA regarding the lifted suspension. The Belgian federation learned of the decision through media reports and claims FIFA created an appeal process that would render their challenge inadmissible. Balogun received a red card in a previous game, which typically results in a one-game suspension, but FIFA lifted it for the current match. The Belgian federation expressed concern over the events and vowed to defend fair competition principles.

FIFA has lifted the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle, which typically results in an automatic one-game ban. However, following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA invoked a rarely used rule to suspend the implementation of the disciplinary measure. This decision has drawn criticism from Belgium, which is challenging Balogun's eligibility, and has sparked debate about political influence in sports. FIFA has not provided detailed reasoning for its decision, but Balogun's suspension could be reinstated later if he commits a similar offense within a year.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium, scheduled for Monday at 7pm in Seattle, is overshadowed by controversy. US President Donald Trump reportedly lobbied FIFA and its chief to review a red card suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA subsequently suspended Balogun's ban, allowing him to play against Belgium, a decision that has drawn criticism for potentially influencing the game through political intervention and raising questions about the integrity of FIFA's disciplinary process. The USA topped Group D and defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, while Belgium finished first in Group G and beat Senegal in extra time to reach this stage.

US President Donald Trump has publicly supported FIFA's decision to reverse a red card suspension issued to Folarin Balogun. The article states that Trump defended this specific action by the international football governing body. No further details regarding the match, the nature of the offense, or the specific reasons for the reversal are provided in the content. The article focuses solely on President Trump's defense of FIFA's ruling concerning Balogun's red card.

The United States men's national soccer team will face Belgium in a crucial World Cup match with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake. American forward Folarin Balogun will be available to play after FIFA rescinded his one-game suspension for a red card received against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals in the tournament. The match will be held in Seattle, a stadium known for its loud atmosphere. This game has overshadowed the Portugal vs. Spain match, which features Cristiano Ronaldo in what he has stated will be his final World Cup. Belgium has been training in Seattle and has played two previous matches at the venue.

The United States men's national soccer team will face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, aiming for their first back-to-back knockout stage wins and a quarterfinal appearance since 2002. Folarin Balogun is eligible to play after his suspension was overturned. The Americans, ranked 17th, will play the 9th-ranked Belgians in a rematch of their 2014 encounter, which Belgium won in extra time. Belgium previously defeated Senegal 3-2 in extra time in their round of 32 match. This game is crucial for the US team's goal of elevating soccer's popularity in the United States.

FIFA has suspended the one-match ban on United States' striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the team's World Cup last 16 match against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during a previous game, which would have ruled him out of the crucial fixture. FIFA's decision, made under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, places Balogun on a one-year probationary period, meaning the suspension will be enforced if he commits a similar offense within that time. US President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for reversing the ban, calling it a "great injustice." US Soccer also welcomed the decision, expressing pleasure that their leading World Cup goal scorer is eligible to compete.

Folarin Balogun, the United States' leading scorer with three World Cup goals, will be allowed to play against Belgium in the round of 16 after FIFA suspended his one-game ban. Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's foot during the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA announced the suspension is for a probationary period of one year, meaning the ban will be enforced if Balogun commits a similar offense within that time. The U.S. Soccer Federation learned of the decision via a message from FIFA. Balogun had previously expressed his belief that a yellow card would have been a fairer punishment for the foul.