Trump sought FIFA review after Balogun ban was lifted for Belgium tie
Why it matters: UEFA called the move a dangerous precedent, warning political pressure could undermine on-field discipline at the World Cup.
President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's red card case before the governing body lifted the United States striker's automatic one-match ban ahead of the Americans' World Cup last-16 match against Belgium in Seattle. Balogun had been due to miss the tie after a straight red against Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA's appeal committee later suspended the ban for 12 months, making him eligible to play. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was astonished and challenged Balogun's eligibility, but FIFA rejected that appeal, saying Belgium was not a party to the original proceedings. UEFA said the ruling put football's integrity at risk.