Trump Calls FIFA to Lift Balogun Red Card Ban
FIFA lifted Folarin Balogun's red card ban. This let the US soccer player start against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
President Trump called FIFA and asked them to review the ban. FIFA used Article 27 of its rules to suspend the ban for one year.
Reports say this is the first such reversal in over 60 years of World Cup play. Balogun got the red card on July 1 during the US match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Referee Raphael Claus gave the card after a video review. The card came after Balogun landed on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.
Belgium tried to appeal Balogun's right to play. But Belgium lost that appeal.
European soccer body UEFA called the decision unprecedented and unjustifiable. Senator Ted Cruz thanked Trump for getting rid of what he called a ridiculous red card.
Key Terms 5
- FIFA The global body that runs world soccer and its rules
- Red card A card that removes a player and bans them from the next game
- Article 27 A FIFA rule that can pause a ban for a set trial period
- UEFA The body that runs soccer across Europe
- Round of 16 The first knockout stage of the World Cup tournament