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FIFA Suspends Balogun Ban After Trump Call, UEFA Outraged

7/6/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

FIFA Suspends Ban

FIFA suspended striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban, letting him play against Belgium on Monday.
President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension.
FIFA applied Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, placing the ban on a one-year probationary period.
UEFA described the decision as unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable, saying it harms sport integrity.

Summary

FIFA Reverses Ban

FIFA nullified a World Cup red-card suspension, the first reversal of such a sanction since 1962.
European Commission sport commissioner Glenn Micallef warned that President Donald Trump’s involvement undermines the autonomy of sport.
FIFA’s appeals committee appointed a judge and gave the Royal Belgian Football Association a few hours to appeal, although it was not a party to the original case.

History

Historical Context

When Argentina hosted the 1978 FIFA World Cup, the Videla junta used the tournament for nationalist propaganda, scheduling the decisive Group B match on 21 June 1978 so the team knew it needed a four-goal win, which it secured by beating Peru 6-0 after Videla visited the Peruvian locker room. The episode shows how political leaders have long tried to sway FIFA decisions.

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FIFA Suspends Ban

FIFA suspended striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban, letting him play against Belgium on Monday.
President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension.
FIFA applied Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, placing the ban on a one-year probationary period.
UEFA described the decision as unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable, saying it harms sport integrity.

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