FIFA annuls the suspension of the American soccer star and Belgium will appeal the decision
Pak Gazette’ Jonathan Hunt highlights the current FIFA red card controversy. FIFA has overturned the suspension of Team USA soccer star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in tonight’s crucial match against Belgium. However, the Belgian team is expected to appeal FIFA’s decision, creating more uncertainty just hours before the match.
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FIFA issued suspensions to at least two key members of the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup match against Belgium, according to multiple reports.
ESPN reported that team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell were the two staff members excluded from the game. The United States suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium, ending its run at the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament’s governing body did not provide a reason for the suspensions.
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A detailed view of the United States Soccer Federation logo is seen in the player and team tunnel in game action during an international friendly match between the United States and Ecuador men’s national teams on March 21, 2019 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ESPN, citing sources, also reported that the suspensions were likely related to incidents that occurred during Team USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week in the round of 32. The alleged violations involved FIFA match protocols and people possibly entering restricted areas. There are no known physical altercations.
USA ADVANCES IN THE WORLD CUP AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
After joining the US Soccer Federation in 2015, Zapatka was named the team’s managing director in 2020.
While US Soccer did not reveal why the suspensions were imposed, it emphasized Tuesday that they were not related to the appeal process surrounding star forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card suspension.
Preparations are made at Soccer House ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Venice Beach on June 6, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Belgium challenged FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, but the governing body ultimately stood by its original decision, allowing the Team USA striker to take the field.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he saw the controversial play and later called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card.
“I talked to Gianni,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
United States men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus in Santa Clara, California, on July 1, 2026. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
“The only thing I did was ask for a review, because I didn’t think it was a mistake,” the president said. “And again, I’m good at these things. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who ran into each other and got tangled up.”
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With the victory over the United States, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Spain on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium.
