Donald Trump hails FIFA for ‘reversing great injustice’ over Folarin Balogun ban
The Monaco forward was sent off in the United States’ round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Donald Trump has hailed a decision by FIFA’s disciplinary committee to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to participate in the World Cup co-hosts’ last-16 clash against Belgium.
The Monaco forward, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was dismissed for his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his single-match ban has now been suspended for a probationary period of one year.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, should the 25-year-old commit “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement”.
Writing on his Truth Social account, President Trump said: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
A post by the official White House account on X read “USA-USA-USA” followed by a bald eagle emoji.
A FIFA disciplinary committee statement read: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”
Balogun’s availability is a big boost for boss Mauricio Pochettino, with the 25-year-old just two goals behind the USA’s all-time top scorer at World Cups, Landon Donovan, who registered five.