A player for the U.S. national team, a co-host of the North and Central American World Cup, has been cleared to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium after his suspension for a red card in the Round of 32 was effectively suspended.
However, the process has sparked controversy, with allegations that the White House made an improper request to FIFA.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who scored the opening goal in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2, was issued a red card in the second half for stepping on an opponent's ankle.
Balogun, a key striker for the U.S. with three goals in the tournament, faced an automatic one-match suspension following his ejection. However, FIFA notified the U.S. Soccer Federation that the one-match ban would be suspended for one year.
Reports suggest that this decision followed a request for leniency from the White House.
According to reports from outlets including The New York Times, U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's disciplinary action.
While FIFA regulations allow for the suspension of a ban through a disciplinary committee decision, The New York Times noted that this is the first time such a measure has been applied to a player sent off in a World Cup match since 1962.
If the request is confirmed to be true, it could ignite a debate over political interference in sports.
The situation is drawing further scrutiny given the close relationship between President Trump and President Infantino, as well as the fact that FIFA awarded President Trump the newly established FIFA Peace Prize in December of last year.
President Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, "I thank FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a massive injustice." Meanwhile, the Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement saying, "We are appalled by FIFA's decision to allow U.S. player Balogun, who was subject to disciplinary action, to compete in the match between the U.S. and Belgium."
Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Kim Hye-ju | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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