Donald Trump called FIFA to have the one‑game ban on US striker Folarin Balogun lifted before the United States faced Belgium in the World Cup last‑16.
The former president reportedly made three calls starting Wednesday, and FIFA announced the suspension was removed on Sunday, allowing Balogun to be available for the Seattle match.
Key Facts
- Trump made three calls to FIFA beginning Wednesday.
- FIFA lifted Balogun’s one‑game suspension on Sunday.
- The Belgian FA said it was ‘astonished’ by the decision.
How did this happen?
According to the report, Trump directly contacted FIFA officials to request the ban be rescinded. The calls started on Wednesday and continued through the weekend.
FIFA responded by announcing, on Sunday, that the suspension would not apply to the upcoming match, effectively clearing Balogun to play.
Who is affected?
The United States team gains the striker for its decisive game against Belgium. The Belgian Football Association expressed surprise at the reversal.
Fans and analysts will now assess how Balogun’s presence might influence the match outcome.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Trump lobbied FIFA to lift the suspension.
- FIFA announced the ban was lifted on Sunday.
- The Belgian FA said it was astonished by the decision.
Still unconfirmed:
- Exact content of the phone conversations.
- Any internal FIFA deliberations or votes.
- Whether other officials also intervened.
Why it matters: The episode highlights how political figures can attempt to influence sporting bodies, raising questions about governance and fairness in international competitions.
What to watch: Further comments from FIFA or the US Soccer Federation may clarify the process behind the decision.