Balogun’s World Cup pink card ban suspended by FIFA throughout ‘White House name’ claims
The Belgian Football Association has hit out at FIFA after USA star Folarin Balogun had his red card ban suspended during reports that the White House called FIFA
Balogun had his ban suspended (Image: AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The Belgian Football Association has lashed out at FIFA after USA star Folarin Balogun had his ban suspended following an alleged phone call from the White House.
Give Me Sport has reported that a White House official rang the governing body of global football to request FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reconsider the red card Balogun received in their 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina – FIFA have maintained that the White House did not sway their decision, despite a direct call.
The Monaco striker was shown a red card, following a VAR review, for an accidental studs-up challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. After the ban was lifted, President Donald Trump swiftly tweeted his delight at the decision, labelling the original call as an “injustice”.
Shortly after FIFA’s verdict and Trump’s comment, rumours about the supposed phone call began circulating on social media. In response to the allegation, the Belgian FA issued a strong statement.
They penned: “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction, reports the Mirror.
“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.
“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
“The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
Balogun has been a pivotal figure for the USA, providing three goals and one assist for his nation, more than any other player in Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
