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NewsThe GuardianJuly 5, 2026United States

Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension

Former President Donald Trump reportedly made three phone calls to FIFA officials to successfully overturn a one-game suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun. The decision allows Balogun to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.

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Why It Matters

The intervention by a former head of state into an international sports governing body's disciplinary process resulted in the reversal of a player's suspension for a high-stakes World Cup match.

Key Facts

  • Donald Trump made three phone calls to FIFA starting Wednesday to request the lifting of Folarin Balogun's suspension.
  • Folarin Balogun was originally issued a one-game suspension following a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • FIFA announced the lifting of the suspension on Sunday.
  • The decision allows Balogun to participate in the last-16 World Cup match against Belgium.
  • The match against Belgium is scheduled for Monday night in Seattle.
  • The Belgian FA publicly stated they were 'astonished' by FIFA's decision to reverse the ban.

Who's Mentioned

personFolarin Balogun“US striker whose one-game red card suspension was overturned.”organizationBelgian FA“The football association of Belgium, which expressed astonishment at the decisio”locationSeattle“The location of the upcoming match against Belgium.”personDonald Trump“Former President who reportedly lobbied FIFA to lift a player's suspension.”locationBosnia and Herzegovina“The team the US played against when Balogun received the red card.”organizationFIFA“International governing body for football that issued and subsequently lifted th”