World Cup: Trump Thanks FIFA for Suspending Balogun's Red Card Ban The 2026 World Cup has been marred by controversy, but none as striking as FIFA's decision to suspend Falorin Balogun's red card ban.
The move allows the US star striker to play against Belgium this week, much to the dismay of the Belgian FA, who are "astonished" by the direct contradiction with FIFA's rules governing the tournament.
At its core, this controversy highlights a long standing issue in professional sports: the intersection of politics and officiating. The red card given to Balogun was harsh but not unjust.