"FIFA" stirs controversy by not suspending Balogun.

The International Football Federation "FIFA" announced the suspension of the ban that would have prevented American national team striker Folarin Balogun from participating in the match against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, after deciding to suspend the immediate enforcement of the penalty resulting from the red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decision that sparked widespread debate.

Balogun received a direct red card during the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina for his tackle on defender Tarik Muharemovic, a situation that, according to the tournament regulations, necessitates an automatic one-match suspension.

FIFA clarified in an official statement that the Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the player for one match due to his violation of Articles 14 and 66 of the Disciplinary Code, before deciding, based on Article 27 of the same law, to suspend the enforcement of the penalty for one year, allowing him to participate in the match against Belgium.

The statement added that the suspension will remain on hold during the probation period, and will be automatically activated if the player commits a similar violation in terms of nature and severity within the next year, without prejudice to any additional penalties that may be imposed on him.

This decision coincided with media reports about the White House communicating with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card decision, but sources within FIFA emphasized that the decision was made independently and in accordance with the powers granted to the Disciplinary Committee by the Disciplinary Code.

In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the decision via the "Truth Social" platform, considering that FIFA made "the right decision" and vindicated the player after what he described as "gross injustice."