Following the suspension of the US player's ban, here are some reactions.
ROYAL BELGIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) is stunned by FIFA's decision that the suspended United States player, Balogun, should nevertheless be eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match scheduled for Monday, 6 June at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time).
FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This article states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly states that a red card (dismissal) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case with every previous red card at this FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, irrespective of the above, the decision directly contradicts the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, specifically Article 10.5, which states:
"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 the suspension was also expressly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
The rule is further reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting held before each match, as well as in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.
In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating member associations and to uphold the overall principles of fair play in our sport, both now and at future FIFA World Cups, the KBVB will continue to examine this matter thoroughly.
UEFA
Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.
Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted. It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.
When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.
Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.
We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.
JOSEPH BLATTER, FORMER FIFA PRESIDENT
Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?
Football must never become a playground for political power. #FIFA #WorldCup #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump
I would say that Blatter was no saint either. But the level we have reached today is truly unacceptable, and entitles him to have his say. It's time to reassess everything. We must fight against such shame that FIFA is introducting in football.
ReplyDeleteDoesn’t this latest incident another proof that there is corruption even in how these referees are chosen or assigned?
DeleteThis is joke, same as whole tournament. Infantino should be out.
ReplyDeleteBut as long there is no joint statement from many other federations, nothing will change.
Unfortunately, that will never happen. There will never be enough federations who band together to bring real change.
DeleteThe majority of federation leaders only care about getting their slice of the money pie to line their pockets with.
When the next election for FIFA president happens. Infantino will more than likely win in a landslide.
FİFA VS UEFA … HERE WE GO
ReplyDeleteUEFA's statement confirms the FIFA vs UEFA clash, after Artan's appointment!
ReplyDeleteUEFA referees can start packing their bags... especially Ceferin’s golden boy Vincic; he won't be getting any more matches after this
ReplyDeleteI think that nobody is so stupid to eliminate UEFA referees because of this!
DeleteEverything has become so political... we'll see ..
DeleteBBC News - World Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun decision 'incomprehensible and unjustifiable' - Uefa - BBC Sport
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5yzzd73871o?app-referrer=push-notification
Another good article from Dale Johnson
It will be a very demanding match for the Jordanian referee. Based on what we are hearing, it's also remarkable hat he has been appointed to this game. He is one of the surprise s of this World Cup, but still not particularly experienced at this level. Will he manage to get through the match without booking a single USA player? How much pressure on him? I'm really sorry, that's absolutely unacceptable as background for that game.
ReplyDeleteI think there is now less pressure on him, as if he doesn’t card the USA team, people will know it’s an instruction
DeleteIf I am not wrong, Last year Fenerbahçe player Jhon Duran headbutted his opponent and received a red card, and UEFA postponed his suspension, allowing him to play in the next game against Aston Villa...
ReplyDeleteYou are wrong. His ban was not postponed, but rather appealed and reduced from 2 games to 1 game.
DeleteI’m sorry, but the leadership from England should demand the same treatment for their players who was sent off against Mexico.
ReplyDeleteIf FIFA is going to set a precedent and invoke Article 27 to justify suspending Bsoogun”s ban. Then it must apply to all players for the remainder of the tournament.
I view this decision very critically, particularly in the broader context. Before the tournament had even begun, Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, even though a brief phone call between Messrs. Infantino and Trump could presumably have resolved the issue in his case as well. During the tournament, several high-profile players escaped sanctions despite conduct that arguably warranted exclusion.
ReplyDeleteAgainst this backdrop of seemingly flexible standards, it is difficult not to ask why Adham Makhadmeh has become the only referee to receive a fourth appointment already, including a match involving the host nation, while several far more established officials have yet to receive a third assignment. His pre-tournament résumé can hardly be the explanation.
Such a lack of transparency inevitably invites questions. If appointments are made in a manner that is difficult to understand, people will naturally wonder whether certain referees are being entrusted with particularly sensitive matches for reasons that remain unexplained. Why, for instance, was Szymon Marciniak appointed to yet another Argentina match - one that promptly generated controversy? And what exactly were Adham Makhadmeh's major accomplishments on the international stage prior to the 2026 World Cup?
👏👏👏
Delete? Well the argument can clearly be that it’s a reward for his performance in his last match AND the fact that they don’t see him in the QFs and beyond? That being said clearly they choose referees “carefully”, no way someone like Kovacs would’ve been appointed to Paraguay-France.
Delete@Yk: If FIFA were truly appointing referees on merit, many would argue that Ismail Elfath should not have been given another match yesterday. His selection was reportedly justified by his extensive international experience, including his involvement at the last World Cup. If that rationale were applied consistently, Adham Makhadmeh might have been in line for one or two group-stage appointments, perhaps even a third match in the Round of 32 as recognition of his performances. A Round-of-16 assignment, however, bears little resemblance to the profile he had built up before this tournament: one group-stage match at the Olympic Games, one group-stage match at the Intercontinental Cup, and two group-stage matches at the U-20 World Cup seven years ago.
DeleteWell and the profile was consistent until now? Spain-Cape Verde & New Zealand-Belgium were hardly coveted appointments so I do not get your point? No way you can think that his performance didn't impact these *knockout* round appointments. Elfath and Makhadmeh are not in the same boat, Elfath already got away with a terrible performance in 2022, and now his country is the main host, the management is hardly surprising. To be clear, I'm not defending Collina's management, I'm just struggling to see your point and why Makhedmeh is being singled out. It's hardly the most surprising thing at this WC in terms of management of referees.
DeleteIf you’re interested backhanded tactics that were employed by the US Government. This is a good yet infuriating read.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/05/world-cup-2026/inside-the-white-house-push-on-balogun-00987540
This tournament, and the world cup as a phenomenon, dies with this decision. As Chefren acknowledged, its an impressive accomplishment by Infantino to have one longing for the days of Blatter and Platini. Tonight's game will have millions of americans, along with a certain bald man, up against billions of belgians. I hope the jordanian is up for the task as this will perhaps be the most sensitive of all games.
ReplyDeleteThe little sympathy I had for the USMNT in this situation also vanished quickly when listening to Pochettino praise it as a great decision. A man that's certainly under a lot of pressure, but still a great manager who I wish had more integrity for the sake of the sport.
As mentioned I really wish Makhadmeh the best of luck. Considering that the match most definitely will get heated, I'm not sure this is a game that any referee can survive.
"It will require enormous efforts to contain this development," Lorenz said, referring to the ruling by FIFA, for which he served as a mediator until four weeks ago. "In the Bundesliga, Balogun would probably have received a three-match ban for rough play, then one could have discussed reducing it to two. But as it is, it's truly scandalous," Lorenz continued.
ReplyDeleteFull comment:
ReplyDeleteHans E. Lorenz, the long-time head of the German Football Association's (DFB) sports court, has sharply criticized FIFA for overturning the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun and warned of potential consequences. "This sends a disastrous signal to sports jurisprudence worldwide. Every suspended player and their club will cite this decision in the future," Lorenz told Kicker magazine.
The former chairman of the DFB sports court, for whom he served as a mediator until four weeks ago, emphasized that it will require enormous efforts to contain this development.
"To impose only a one-match ban for this foul—even if there was certainly no intent to injure—is a gift. To suspend it now is a scandal," Lorenz said, criticizing FIFA for threatening all associations with sanctions for decades should they disregard the principle of a minimum one-match suspension.
"It will require enormous efforts to contain this development," Lorenz said, referring to the ruling by FIFA, for which he served as a mediator until four weeks ago. "In the Bundesliga, Balogun would probably have received a three-match ban for rough play, then one could have discussed reducing it to two. But as it is, it's truly scandalous," Lorenz continued.
Lorenz is crazy if he thinks Balogun's action was deserving of a 3-match ban.
DeleteNevertheless, I find it very interesting to learn the perspective of a judge who has handed down rulings for decades, who has seen countless comparable scenes and is very knowledgeable about the entire legal construct of FIFA.
DeleteFair. I believe Balogun should not have gotten a RC to begin with, but I agree that it should be kept once it was given. That said, this corrupt action by FIFA is nothing compared to so many other things that they have done ...
Delete+100 agree with sw
DeleteThis ain't about "deserving", it's about what the referee writes in his/her match report. Article 14 of the FIFA disciplinary code is pretty clear in that regard. Serious foul play? At least 2-match ban. Violent conduct? At least 3-match ban.
DeleteThis whole decision is a slap in the face—not just to us fans, but to Belgium and the entire football community.
ReplyDeleteIt sends the message that there is no real equality in football. There will always be big nations and small nations, big federations and small federations, big players and small players. The rules simply aren't applied equally.
Just look at this entire World Cup and FIFA's recent rule changes. Instead of properly enforcing the existing Laws of the Game, FIFA keeps introducing new concepts and forcing them on players, officials, fans and viewers. We now have referees counting down goalkeepers holding the ball and monitoring throw-ins, yet there is still little consistency.
Time-wasting remains a problem because, for years, referees were too afraid to show yellow cards—or even second yellow cards—for persistent time-wasting. They were also reluctant to accurately add back the time that had been deliberately wasted, perhaps to avoid becoming the focus of post-match headlines. Had referees consistently enforced the existing Laws of the Game with the courage to punish offenders properly, I'm convinced we would have seen far less time-wasting over the years, and there would have been no need for these new, unnecessary rule changes.
Throughout the tournament, we have also seen several controversial decisions. Lionel Messi avoided a booking in a situation where many other players would likely have been cautioned. Achraf Hakimi's dangerous challenge on Vinícius Júnior, the Scotland player's tackle on a Haiti player, and several other incidents have raised serious questions about consistency. The list goes on.
Player behaviour towards referees has also been embarrassing. Large-scale protests, surrounding officials and constant dissent have largely gone unpunished. Only referees like Danny Makkelie and Clément Turpin have consistently sanctioned this behaviour. Meanwhile, FIFA claims there is little dissent because very few yellow cards have been shown for it, when in reality referees simply aren't enforcing the law.
This extremely lenient approach also benefits overly physical and aggressive teams. Sides like Argentina and Paraguay have repeatedly pushed the limits, with players such as Leandro Paredes, Juan José Galarza, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás Otamendi and Gustavo Gómez seemingly given the freedom to foul, intimidate opponents and constantly protest without facing appropriate punishment. The message being sent is that this behaviour is acceptable.
The so-called cooling break is another questionable concept. It has effectively become a commercial break rather than a measure for player welfare. This is football, not the NBA or NFL. Stopping matches for several minutes also disrupts the rhythm and momentum of the team that is playing better, while television advertisements continue.
Added time is another issue. We regularly see only five or six minutes added, even though the cooling break alone lasts around three minutes. That effectively leaves only two or three minutes to account for substitutions, injuries, VAR reviews, celebrations, delays and time-wasting. Everyone watching can see how much time is actually lost during matches, yet the added time rarely reflects reality. FIFA should be ashamed of allowing such inconsistency.
VAR continues to raise serious concerns. It is difficult to understand how video officials can remain silent on some dangerous tackles and reckless incidents. Just look at the France vs Paraguay match—it is hard to understand what the officials in the VAR room were actually watching.
But apparently, the most important thing is having a rule that punishes offensive language and automatically sends players off for covering their mouths while speaking. Are we really being told that covering your mouth is considered a more serious offence than aggressive protests, reckless challenges that could break a player's leg, kicking opponents off the ball, persistent unsporting behaviour, or surrounding and intimidating referees? The priorities seem completely misplaced.
On top of all that, we had the Balogun incident, where an obvious red card was not shown. It was yet another example of inconsistent officiating and another decision that damaged the credibility of the tournament. And what if Balogun goes on to score tonight and ends up being the difference-maker? What then? Decisions like these can directly influence the outcome of matches, yet FIFA simply moves on as if nothing happened. It increasingly feels as though the rules are being bent whenever it suits them, leaving fans with the impression that they are being laughed at. It is simply ridiculous, and FIFA should be ashamed of the standard of refereeing on display.
DeleteI genuinely believe this has been the worst-officiated World Cup since I started following football. Not only has the refereeing been inconsistent, but the overall quality of football has also fallen well short of previous tournaments. In my opinion, it is nowhere near the level of the 2006 World Cup, which remains one of the greatest football tournaments I have ever watched.
Just my opinion, but the referees, their guidelines, and FIFA's overall direction are making me enjoy this World Cup less and less with each passing day. I'll continue watching because I'm a football fan and I love the game, but I honestly can't wait for the return of UEFA competitions and Europe's top leagues, where referees generally have more freedom to manage matches, apply the Laws of the Game consistently, and officiate with less outside influence.
Football deserves consistency, accountability and equal treatment. Rules should apply equally to every player, every team and every federation—not only when it is convenient.
FIFA went up against everyone just to stroke one man's ego... was it worth it .??
ReplyDeleteInfantino position is now untenable and the wheels should be put in motion to remove him fro office .This level of corruption will eventually be the downfall of FIFA and World football ,as sponsors and advertisers no longer want to be associated with football.
ReplyDeleteThe only reasonable decision now would be to cancel the suspension for England’s red card yesterday.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the four were the same, in both matches: Soto and Gallo. What do we make of this?
DeleteFolluw-up statement from the Belgian FA:
ReplyDeleteUpdate 06/07/2026
Following its previous statement, the RBFA wishes to publicly explain the events of the past few hours.
After learning through media reports of FIFA’s decision to lift the automatic suspension of player Balogun, the RBFA sent a letter to FIFA requesting a copy of the decision, an explanation of the process that had been followed, and setting out its position regarding the applicable regulations.
As its only response, FIFA sent a letter to the RBFA stating that it considered this correspondence to constitute an appeal, that a judge had been appointed, and that the RBFA had only a few hours to complete that appeal. No information whatsoever was provided by FIFA.
For an appeal to be admissible, FIFA’s own regulations state that the reasoned decision must first have been communicated to the appellant. While the RBFA was merely seeking legitimate explanations, FIFA itself created an appeal and immediately ensured that it would be declared inadmissible.
All of this occurred while FIFA simultaneously refused to respond to the RBFA’s legitimate requests.
Furthermore, during the match coordination meeting, FIFA deliberately removed the section concerning the automatic suspension of players from its presentation. This topic had nonetheless been part of all such meetings before each of the previous four matches. The RBFA questioned FIFA, both orally and in writing, about the reasons for this change, yet once again received no response.
To be clear, as of this moment, the RBFA has still not received any decision or any explanation from FIFA regarding this matter. It therefore has no alternative but to challenge the player's eligibility for the upcoming match.
Regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the RBFA is deeply concerned by the course of events and will continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole.
Reading this, the actions of FIFA are even worse then I already thought. Astonishing and disgusting.
DeleteWhere do l start with this latest episode of FIFA v UEFA,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I see lots of comments suggesting all Red carded players should be given suspension for a year just like Balogun as perhaps equal judgement which is totally wrong, the Balogun incident was very unintentional, accidental or rather bad luck which was also received as 50/50 red card (split decision) from the general football community and pundits but looking on the replays it was certainly a red card not because of Balogun actions but instead the opponent's outlook
Second, Uefa are not the holy one if compared to FIFA yet for them the dirty work and biased politics happen behind the scenes --under closed doors -- if it wasn't for Trump desire to get attention every time a chance is provided with his Truth social,, FIFA would have survived the scandal and embarrassment, and on corruption, both FIFA and UEFA are very much corrupt believe it or not, just with very rich USA president Trump it occurs in daylight yet in Uefa under wraps.
Uefa coming out to complain about Balogun suspended RC is nonsense just creating unendless conversation for nothing only personal interests and international media scrutiny and controversy
10/10 for the mental gymnastics.... This is disgraceful from Trump and Infantino/FIFA. Period. They haven't even been able to cook up a justification. Get outta here with that "And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!" BS.
DeleteWhy is it nonsense to complain? Fifa don't follow their own rules in favour of a home nation after an intervention by the president of that home nation.
DeleteIf you think that's okay, you're not a sportsmen.
Who will referee the match between Morocco and France? I think Facundo Tello or the Mexican Cesar Ramos.
ReplyDeleteRamos already did this game as a SF in 2022 so I doubt that he will do it again
DeleteI agree, I'd rule Ramos out of this match and would predict Tello Valenzuela or Sampaio (may well go direct to a SF) for this match.
DeleteTrump continues: "This referee, who is a little bit suspect. If you check his past, I don't want to say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect... if you like I'll provide you with the past. He made a call that nobody could believe. Even people on the other side, they were saying 'we got lucky, wow'."
ReplyDeleteFrankly what a load of absolute nonsense, completely undermines officials and is an utter disgrace
President Donald Trump on his phone call with Gianni Infantino: "I spoke to Gianni... I saw the play. I'm a person that loves sports and was a good athlete. I understand sports really well. Really well. That wasn't a foul. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other."
DeleteReporter: Can you describe your phone call with Gianni Infantino about the red card? Belgium is appealing the decision.
ReplyDeleteTrump: You’re asking me about the whole soccer thing. So, yeah, I did. I spoke to Gianni.
That wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed who happened to crash into each other. You can’t properly place your foot on somebody else’s foot when you’re going full speed. No, these were two great athletes who got tangled up.
And this referee, who is a little bit suspect—if you check his past. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy, but very suspect. If you’d like, I’ll provide you with his past.
He didn’t do anything wrong, and he’s our best player, or one of our best players—a very vital player—and they gave him a red card.
I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t think it meant much. Then I started hearing that it means you can’t play in the next game, at least in the next game.
I said, “Boy, that’s a big—” You know, if it happened to another player, it would have been unfair, but when they take your best player—or just about; they have some great players—and say you can’t play, that’s very unfair.
That’s one thing, to penalize somebody for the game. But how do you penalize them for a game that hasn’t been played yet? It’s very unfair. You can’t do that.
So, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA. I spoke to a man who is highly respected, and by the way, whose level of respect has gone up tenfold.
It was a good run. Outdoing Blatter and Platini and in record time too! Shameless. Absolutely shameless.
DeleteEmbarrassing, disgraceful and a humiliating episode for FIFA
DeleteWhat the hell…
DeleteHow is he allowed to say : this referee who is a little suspect if you check his past?????
That is an unprecedented embarrassment to fifa and all referees
It's like a joke... 😂
ReplyDeleteTrump answered the questions about Balogun’s case..
video: https://x.com/atrupar/status/2074136347967619337?s=46
He calls the referee 'dirty' just because he's Venezuelan... Does anyone know what happened to Juan Soto?
DeleteWords cannot do the shame this episode brings to football justice.
ReplyDeleteSince when does Trump have any knowledge of soccer? This decision is absolutely bizarre and unbelievable. However, it wouldn't surprise me if he himself appears on stage tonight, alongside Infantino.
ReplyDeleteThis interview is one of the most embarrassing things i have seen in my life
ReplyDelete