Folarin Balogun speaks out on World Cup ban appeal controversy after USA’s exit

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFolarin Balogun controversially played for the United States against Belgium on Monday despite receiving an automatic one-match ban in the previous game, with the suspension being overturned. The decision to suspend Balogun's ban was influenced by Donald Trump, who personally lobbied Fifa President Gianni Infantino on the matter. Balogun stated he was not involved in the process of overturning his ban, while Fifa's disciplinary committee cited Article 27, allowing for discretionary suspension of measures, despite Article 66.4 stipulating automatic bans. Uefa criticised Fifa's decision, claiming it 'crossed a red line', though Fifa defended its stance by highlighting similar practices of overturning red cards in European leagues. US coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” surrounding the incident, which overshadowed his team's 4-1 defeat by Belgium. In fullFolarin Balogun confirms he was not involved in getting Belgium ban overturnedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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