Why FIFA suspended two USMNT staff members

2 Team USA Staff Members Were Suspended for World Cup Game Against Belgium

The drama around Team USA’s World Cup run didn’t end with its elimination in the Round of 16 against Belgium. After the United States fell, 4-1, on Monday, July 6, FIFA revealed that two staff members of the USMNT were actually suspended for the match. Team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president []

FIFA suspends two US staffers for Belgium game

FIFA suspends two US staffers for Belgium game

Two USA officials suspended by FIFA after Folarin Balogun World Cup incident

Two US soccer officials were suspended by FIFA before the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 this week, with the reason for the bans not currently clear

Mystery after FIFA quietly banned two USA officials for Belgium clash

Mystery after FIFA quietly banned two USA officials for Belgium clash

US Soccer officials barred by FIFA from Belgium World Cup match over apparent protocol violations: report

FIFA suspended two United States men's soccer staff from the Belgium match over alleged mishandling of match protocols during the Bosnia and Herzegovina win.

Balogun Wedged Between UEFA and FIFA: World Cup Turning into World Urn?

The global football community has found itself on the brink of a major split over behind-the-scenes decisions affecting one of the fundamental principles of the disciplinary regulations. UEFA Accuses FIFA of Crossing a Red Line A controversy has erupted at the FIFA World Cup over the cancellation of a red-card suspension for a United States national team player following a request by U. S. President Donald Trump. The controversy centers on FIFA's decision to suspend, on a one-year probationary basis, the automatic one-match suspension following the red card shown to Folarin Balogun. The United States' first-choice striker received the dismissal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0) after a heavy stamp on an opponent's ankle. Under the tournament regulations, such a red card automatically results in a suspension for the following match.

Mystery swirls in USA World Cup camp as FIFA quietly suspends two senior team officials in the wake of Trump's Folarin Balogun intervention

Mystery swirls in USA World Cup camp as FIFA quietly suspends two senior team officials in the wake of Trump's Folarin Balogun intervention

FIFA's SHOCK Decision! Why Folarin Balogun Is Allowed to Play After a Red Card | Dawn News English

FIFA has allowed US striker Folarin Balogun to remain eligible despite receiving a red card, following a review of the incident that has sparked widespread debate. The decision has drawn strong reactions from fans, football analysts, and officials, raising questions about disciplinary procedures and consistency in international football. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn News English is your window into the latest news, insight, and features from South Asia and beyond. Website: www.dawn.com Official Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Twitter: https://x.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnewsenglish #fifa #folarinbalogun #worldcup2026 #usmnt #football #soccer #globalnews #dawnnewsenglish #news #latestnews #dawnnewsenglish #dawnnews

FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA and the US caught offside

FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA and the US caught offside

World Cup 2026: France v Morocco quarter-final buildup, Collina defends refereeing – live

All the latest as we look ahead to the quarter-finals Player guide | Bracketology| Golden Boot | Email usAndrew Giuliani, head of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, has defended Donald Trump’s lobbying of Fifa to lift the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun for Monday’s game against Belgium.The US president claimed that Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who showed Balogun a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was “a little bit suspect, if you check his past”. This was apparently a reference to a match-fixing investigation by Brazil’s senate in 2024 that examined how referees were assigned to games but did not accuse Claus of wrongdoing. Continue reading...

CNN Host Highlights Worst Part of Cringe Trump Excuse

CNNCNN host Erin Burnett has pointed out a cringeworthy element of Donald Trump’s unprecedented personal interference in the World Cup, after the president bragged he understands sport “really well.”On Monday, Trump, 80, revealed he had contacted his friend, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, to review the decision to give a red card and one-game ban to star U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.A red card is the most serious punishment a player can receive from a referee in the World Cup. It results in their immediate ejection from the match, an automatic suspension for the next game and leaves the team to continue the game with one player missing.Read more at The Daily Beast.

Fox’s Thierry Henry, Alexi Lalas have tense exchange over FIFA’s Folarin Balogun ruling

The USMNT is gone from the men’s 2026 World Cup, but the tensions around FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s ban from Monday night’s game have not subsided. Early on Tuesday in the Fox Sports studio, analysts Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas, who have butted heads a few times throughout the tournament, clashed once again

FIFA denies France's appeal against Olise's yellow card

France head coach Didier Deschamps revealed on Tuesday that Michael Olise's yellow card from France's World Cup round-of-16 match against Paraguay will stand, reported Xinhua. Olise was booked late in last Saturday's match following an altercation. The French Football Federation subsequently appealed to FIFA to have the yellow card overturned. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Deschamps said, Nothing has changed regarding Olise's yellow card. We received FIFA's notice this morning confirming the original decision stands. This means that if France beats Morocco on Thursday and Olise receives another yellow card, the Bayern Munich player will be ruled out of the semifinal. Olise has impressed throughout the World Cup, registering a tournament-leading five assists. Earlier, FIFA suspended U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban following a intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Así explican el perdón a Folarin Balogun

El Comité Disciplinario de la FIFA dejó en suspenso la sanción del goleador estadounidense por un periodo de prueba de un año, por lo que estará disponible para el juego de Octavos de Final que disputarán contra Bélgica.

Trump official sought FIFA review of Balogun red card

A Trump administration official asked FIFA to review U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card, a source familiar with the matter tells Axios.Why it matters: Direct intervention by a U.S. administration official in a FIFA disciplinary case would be highly unusual, and the reversal of Balogun's one-match suspension allows him to play in the knockout stage.The big picture: The episode underscores the extraordinary level of White House interest in the U.S. men's national team's World Cup run and raises questions about political involvement in international sports governance.Driving the news: The New York Times reported Sunday that President Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, though the source did not identify who contacted FIFA about Balogun's disciplinary case.Trump welcomed the reversal in a Truth Social post earlier Sunday, saying: Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!Flashback: Balogun was red-carded in Team USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.What's next: The U.S. plays Belgium in the round of 16 clash on Monday.

Why US Men's soccer team will split $16m winnings with women

Following the US Men's team's exit from the World Cup, a significant conversation has emerged regarding their $16 million payout and the decision to share it with the Women’s team. Under the recent equal pay bargaining agreement, US Soccer is splitting earnings 50/50 between the men's and women's teams, a move intended to help bridge the pay gap between the sports. This development has sparked debate across the internet about fairness and equity, particularly given the difference in World Cup accomplishments between the two squads and the varying income streams for top players, ranging from club salaries to high-end endorsements. KTLA's Andy Riesmeyer reports. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/ktla?sub_confirmation=1

Gianni Infantino could be ousted following his call with Trump

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure to resign after overturning a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun following President Donald Trump's personal intervention. Trump contacted Infantino requesting a review of the suspension, which FIFA's Disciplinary Committee subsequently reversed two days before US's match against Belgium, despite claiming to act independently, reports Keith Rathbone for The Conversation. The decision produced questions about Infantino's close relationship with Trump, who awarded him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. The scandal prompted calls for resignation from Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, German manager Jürgen Klopp, and former England captain Gary Lineker. UEFA officials have reportedly been discussing possible alternatives to Infantino, writes Rathbone.European lawmakers demanded an investigation. However, Infantino, who became FIFA president as an anti-corruption reform candidate in 2016, has become increasingly authoritarian and less transparent. He maintains strong support from African and Asian confederations and appears positioned to secure an unprecedented fourth term.Watch the video below. Your browser does not support the video tag.

FIFA bows to Trump's demands and drops suspension of US player

FIFA has bowed to US President Donald Trump by reversing the controversial red-card ban for star player Folarin Balogun. US national team striker Folarin Balogun received a one-game ban during the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after awkwardly stepping on one of their players’ ankles. Balogun was set to miss the round of 16 match this week, and the decision was originally not subject to appeal or review. Trump stepped in by calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the week to get a review to retract the red-card suspension. The President’s call worked, marking a major win for Team USA as the red card ban was overturned.

FIFA rejects Belgium’s appeal over Folarin Balogun red card at World Cup

FIFA has swiftly rejected an appeal from Belgium’s soccer federation (RFBA) over Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, saying that the federation was “not a party to the proceedings.” There has been a growing firestorm over FIFA’s last-minute decision to allow U.S. forward Balogun to play in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, []...Click to read more

Politics, power and the World Cup | Bigger Than Five

The FIFA World Cup is shining a spotlight on politics, discrimination and double standards. Former Iran national team coach Afshin Ghotbi explains why some players are judged by the governments they represent, while others are treated simply as athletes. Then, former US player and academic Jules Boykoff asks whether FIFA is living up to its own principles of neutrality. As football and politics collide, Bigger Than Five examines the controversies beyond the pitch.

Iran slams FIFA inaction over discrimination by US at World Cup

The Iranian team expects footballs governing body to address unequal treatment by the host nation, its manager saysThe Iranian national team has formally complained to FIFA about what its manager has described as systemic discrimination by the US, one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup. Tehran expects football's governing body to act and ensure that the host nation honors its obligations to all

What Empty Seats at the FIFA World Cup Reveal About Customer Behavior

Customers didn’t change their mind. Their budget did.

Ex-EPA staffers sue after agency fired them following dissent letter

Seven former staffers at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are suing the agency after it fired them following their criticisms of Trump administration. The employees were let go after signing a letter saying that the administration was undermining public trust and ignoring scientific consensus to benefit polluters, among other concerns. On Tuesday, they filed two lawsuits, arguing that their firings violated their...

Trump intervention sees USA star cleared to play in FIFA World Cup | 9 News Australia

FIFA has denied Belgium's red‑card appeal, clearing a top USA player to compete today after President Trump pushed for the case to be reviewed. President Gianni Infantino says FIFA's disciplinary bodies act independently, despite Trump publicly praising the outcome. Infantino also told the president the Balogun decision was still moving through a formal legal process. | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU

3 Styles at Work: How to Wear Soccer Jersey

A soccer jersey. Three Vogue editors. Here’s how three staffers show their team support—at work!—ahead of the World Cup finals.

Balogun’s World Cup ban lifted after Trump intervention ahead of Belgium clash | #AJ shorts

FIFA has overturned US striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension, the first time since 1962 it has allowed a player sent off in the tournament to play despite a ban. The decision followed a request from US President Donald Trump and makes the striker eligible to face Belgium in the round of 16. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile

Trump’s FIFA intervention damaged America’s World Cup credibility

File-This is perhaps the last image of the USMNT engaged as one at this World Cup.The mixed feelings and missed opportunities will take a while to shake off A host nation must win on the field, not under a cloud of political suspicion By : The Editorial Board, Opinion The United States is not merely []

Outrage as FIFA's Infantino bends rules to Trump's whim at World Cup

FIFA boss slammed for controversial decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's one-game ban; Ruling, which came after the intervention of Donald Trump, permits striker to play in the co-hosts' World Cup last 16 match with Belgium. Leer más

Inside the USA camp on the chaotic day Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban was lifted... confused players, furious rivals and Trump's murky intervention

Inside the USA camp on the chaotic day Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban was lifted... confused players, furious rivals and Trump's murky intervention

UEFA slams FIFA over Balogun decision

European soccer body UEFA has lashed out at FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker, Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban in the World Cup, after U.S. President Donald Trump called ‌FIFA to ask it to review the case, saying world soccer’s governing body had “crossed a red line” and undermined the integrity of the game. “We express The post UEFA slams FIFA over Balogun decision appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

Fox Sports pundits Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas clash during intense Balogun red card debate

The Fox Sport pundits disagreed over Fifa’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension after a red card against Bosnia, with President Donald Trump intervening

World Cup 2026: Who makes the team of the group stage?

Find out which players are in the best XI of the tournament so far

FIFA Delays Folarin Balogun’s One-Match Ban; Trump Says He Asked FIFA to Review, Not Change Its Decision

The Belgian soccer federation challenged the delay of a U.S. soccer player’s red card suspension, but was unsuccessful. FIFA’s decision will allow the American forward to play in Monday night’s game against Belgium. President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA’s president to review the red card. Trump welcomed Wall Street leaders to the White House for []

FIFA Scandal: Former referees question different fates of Balogun, Quansah

NEW YORK: FIFA’s handling ‌of two World Cup red-card cases came under renewed scrutiny on Thursday after England defender Jarell Quansah got a two-match suspension while US striker Folarin Balogun avoided an immediate ban for a similar ​challenge. That has left former international referees unable to reconcile the two decisions. Quansah was sent off in England’s last-16 victory over Mexico after a video review deemed his sliding studs-up challenge serious foul play. He was later handed a two-match ban that England’s Football Association said it could not appeal.

Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun ban after World Cup red card

The Wall Street Journal says senior Trump officials helped turn a football disciplinary decision into a matter of White House concern, urging the US president to call FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. The reversal has angered Belgium and raised fresh questions about political pressure on football’s governing bodies before the United States’ knockout tie The post Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun ban after World Cup red card appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Son Heung-min, other players greeted by encouraging fans in return from World Cup

Captain Son Heung-min led a small group of men's national football team players in their return home from the FIFA World Cup early Wednesday, as they were greeted with encouraging words from dozens of supporters. Fans' reaction to the players at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, was in stark contrast to boos and profanity that targeted former head coach Hong Myung-bo the previous day. Hong had resigned from the post Sunday morning in the team's base camp in Zapopan, western Mexico, a

Trump Undermines 2026 World Cup’s Integrity

European football associations condemn FIFA decision to lift U.S. forward Balogun suspension. On Monday, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) released a statement sharply criticizing the decision by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to suspend the sanction imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. RELATED: European Commission Questions FIFA Over the Suspension of []

Ojukwu University gives dismissed lecturers one month to appeal

The Management of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam in Anambra has given the sacked members of staff to appeal the decision against them within one month. Prof. Kate Omenugha, the Vice Chancellor of the University made the disclosure during an interaction with journalists in Igbariam on Thursday. Recall that the University Council, last month, The post Ojukwu University gives dismissed lecturers one month to appeal appeared first on Dateline Nigeria.

FIFA Erases Balogun Red Card To Hand USA Massive World Cup Lifeline Ahead Of Belgium Clash

The United States men’s national soccer team received an unexpected roster boost ahead of their World Cup last-16 knockout match against Belgium, as FIFA officially overturned a one-match suspension issued to forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun had received a red card during the USA’s group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after scraping his studs down the [] FIFA Erases Balogun Red Card To Hand USA Massive World Cup Lifeline Ahead Of Belgium Clash

Deep State Strikes, as EPA Employees Who Signed Anti-Trump Letter Sue Over Firing

In another case of federal bureaucrats challenging elected leaders, seven employees of the Environmental Protection Agency who signed onto a public letter opposing President Donald Trump were eventually ousted. Now they’re suing to get their jobs back. The terminated employees are suing with the backing of the litigation group Democracy Forward. Democrat lawyer Marc Elias...