Story perspectives

FIFA lifts Balogun ban after Trump calls Infantino

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 2:55 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The suspension allowed Balogun to play in the round-of-16, where the United States lost 4-1 to Belgium.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino regrets not being more involved in Balogun’s appeal.
Pochettino proposes future appeals be decided by a smaller, strictly sporting committee.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 FIFA Ethics Committee’s eight-year ban of President Sepp Blatter, imposed after the December arrests of senior officials, marked a sweeping crackdown on corruption in world football. That precedent resurfaces as former U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to contest Folarin Balogun’s suspension, prompting coach Mauricio Pochettino to demand a purely sporting appeals panel.

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Story summary

FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The suspension allowed Balogun to play in the round-of-16, where the United States lost 4-1 to Belgium.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino regrets not being more involved in Balogun’s appeal.
Pochettino proposes future appeals be decided by a smaller, strictly sporting committee.

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