Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Lawrence Ostlere

Trump ‘spoke with Fifa president’ before Balogun’s ban was controversially suspended

  • USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, incurred after receiving a red card during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, was controversially suspended by Fifa ’s disciplinary committee.
  • Reports from the New York Times and Associated Pres s indicate that Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's red card decision.
  • Fifa’s decision, based on Article 27 of its disciplinary code, allows Balogun to play, with the suspension only taking effect if he commits another similar offense within a year.
  • The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed "astonishment" at FIFA's ruling, arguing it contradicts the organization's own regulations which state a red card automatically results in a suspension for the next match.
  • Donald Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, while US Soccer and Balogun's coach welcomed the reinstatement, allowing the player to participate in the upcoming match.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.