FIFA overturns US soccer star’s suspension, Belgium to appeal ruling
Pakinomist’ Jonathan Hunt highlights the ongoing FIFA red card controversy. FIFA has overturned the suspension of Team USA soccer star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in tonight’s decisive match against Belgium. However, the Belgian team is expected to appeal FIFA’s decision, creating further uncertainty just hours before the game.
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FIFA issued suspensions to at least two key members of the US Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup match with 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 employees banned from the match. The USA went on to suffer a 4-1 loss to Belgium, ending their 2026 World Cup run.
The tournament’s governing body did not give 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 during an international friendly match between the United States and the Ecuador men’s national team 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 linked to incidents that occurred during Team USA’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week in the round of 32. The alleged violations involved FIFA match protocols and individuals possibly entering restricted areas. There were no known physical altercations.
USA advances in WC AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
After joining the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2015, Zapatka was named team administrative manager in 2020.
While US Soccer did not reveal why the suspensions were imposed, it stressed on Tuesday that they were not connected to the appeals process surrounding star striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card suspension.
Preparations are made for the Soccer House ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at 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 Team USA’s forward to take the field.
President Donald Trump said Monday he watched 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 is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus in Santa Clara, California on July 1, 2026. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
“All I did was I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a mistake,” the president said. “And again, I’m good at this. I didn’t think it was a mistake. I thought it was two great athletes crashing into each other and getting tangled up.”
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With the victory over the USA, Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals and will face Spain on Friday at the Los Angeles Stadium.
