FIFA’s decision to revoke the one-game suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun has ignited a firestorm of controversy across the football world, with allegations of political intervention reaching the highest levels. The ruling, announced on Sunday, means Balogun is now eligible to play for the United States against Belgium in the Round of 16, despite having received a red card for a ‘serious foul’ just days prior.

Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. However, FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun’s ban for up to one year on probation, a move that has been met with widespread astonishment and anger, particularly given FIFA’s own ruleset explicitly states there is no appeal process for red cards during the tournament and all referee decisions on the pitch are final.

Allegations of White House intervention

The extraordinary reversal has been linked to alleged political pressure. GIVEMESPORT sources reported that former US President Donald Trump and The White House made a call to FIFA to review the red card. Furthermore, US lawyers reportedly assembled a case disputing the use of slow-motion replays in the decision-making process.

The Belgium FA swiftly confirmed they were seeking legal advice on the matter, releasing a statement expressing that they were “astonished” by FIFA’s decision. The controversy has prompted strong condemnation from prominent figures within the sport.

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Klopp condemns decision as “crazy”

Jurgen Klopp, who is set to take over as the next Germany manager following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Klopp stated, “If Trump and Infantino really sorted this out between themselves, that’s crazy, it calls everything into question. Let’s just say: this is our game, not theirs. These two people, who both have no idea about football, should have nothing to do with that. That was a red card. There’s no two ways about it.”

Klopp acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the foul but stressed the importance of adhering to the rules. “We’re sorry for Balogun because he didn’t mean to do it. But that’s what the rules say. There really aren’t two opinions about it,” he added. The former Liverpool manager also suggested the USA could still choose not to play Balogun out of principle. “If that’s really what happened, there is still the possibility that the USA won’t play him anyway because they say, ‘We don’t want it like this.’ We all suffer from wrong decisions. Even so, we all learn over the course of life to live with them. And this is simply a decision on a matter of fact.”

Other football legends have also voiced their dismay. Ian Wright described the decision as “shameful,” while Wayne Rooney called it a “disgrace” and suggested it brought the sportsmanship of the game into question. Balogun currently plays his club football for Monaco.

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