In a startling move ahead of the US’s Last 16 World Cup match against Belgium, UEFA has slammed FIFA for ‘crossing a red line’ and lifting US striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban. This move, however, brought fairness, honesty and transparency, the foundation of trust among fans, players and the game, under scrutiny.&nbsp;FIFA’s ruling came after US President Donald Trump intervened in the matter, seeking help from FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the foul. Upon checking, FIFA, strangely, without any justifiable footballing reason, permitted Balogun to play against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card in his team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/donald-trump-thanks-fifa-after-folarin-balogun-ban-suspended-cleared-for-belgium-showdown-1783277319658">Donald Trump thanks FIFA after Folarin Balogun ban suspended, cleared for Belgium showdown</a> &nbsp;"Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line," read UEFA's strongly worded statement. "Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not." &nbsp;European football’s governing body, UEFA, also warned of the repercussions for the sport as a whole.

USA vs Belgium at World Cup

"Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws," it said. "A tournament is never a pure standalone, and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole. &nbsp;“We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”<h3>What is Balogun’s red-card issue?</h3>Balogun, who smashed three goals at the ongoing World Cup, was set to miss the crucial pre-quarterfinal match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card following a video review for stepping on a Bosnian defender during the Round-of-32 match, which the US won 2-0.&nbsp; &nbsp;Under the FIFA rules, a straight red card means an automatic one-match ban, which, in this case, was the US’s next match against the European giants in Seattle. &nbsp;The twist in the tale came when Trump called up Infantino, asking him to review Balogun's punishment, two sources familiar with the matter said per an AFP report. In the meantime, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called for the card to be rescinded.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, after reviewing the decision, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the ban, adding that it will remain suspended for a year, shocking the football community worldwide. &nbsp;"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. &nbsp;Read More| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didn-t-know-that-july-5-is-now-april-fool-s-day-belgium-coach-slams-fifa-over-shock-ruling-on-folarin-balogun-1783293015760">'Didn't know that July 5 is now April Fool's Day': Belgium coach slams FIFA over shock ruling on Folarin Balogun</a>&nbsp;Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia was the latest to slam this move, saying, "I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup, the 5th of July is now the 1st of April, and that it's April Fool's Day.”

UEFA slams FIFA for "crossing a red line" after Donald Trump intervenes to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban ahead of the Belgium clash.

In a startling move ahead of the US’s Last 16 World Cup match against Belgium, UEFA has slammed FIFA for ‘crossing a red line’ and lifting US striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban. This move, however, brought fairness, honesty and transparency, the foundation of trust among fans, players and the game, under scrutiny. FIFA’s ruling came after US President Donald Trump intervened in the matter, seeking help from FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the foul. Upon checking, FIFA, strangely, without any justifiable footballing reason, permitted Balogun to play against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card in his team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also read| Donald Trump thanks FIFA after Folarin Balogun ban suspended, cleared for Belgium showdown "Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line," read UEFA's strongly worded statement. "Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not." European football’s governing body, UEFA, also warned of the repercussions for the sport as a whole.

UEFA slams FIFA for "crossing a red line" after Donald Trump intervenes to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban ahead of the Belgium clash.

‘Rule Broken!’: UEFA furious as FIFA clears US striker Balogun to play against Belgium

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has strongly criticised FIFA’s controversial decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to be eligible for the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between Belgium and the USA, according to news agency Reuters. The decision comes after FIFA suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a move that has sparked backlash from the Belgian camp.&nbsp;Garcia questioned the timing and fairness of the ruling, saying it undermined the spirit of the competition. “I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup the fifth of July is now the first of April and it's April Fool's Day.” The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) also reacted strongly, saying it was ‘astonished’ by FIFA’s decision and adding that it was ‘investigating all potential options’. Garcia backed his federation’s position, stressing that the issue goes beyond national interest. "We are not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football with its ethics and integrity."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/history-made-erling-haaland-s-twin-strike-sends-norway-to-fifa-wc-quarterfinal-for-first-time-beat-brazil-2-1-1783288125970">History made! Erling Haaland's twin strike sends Norway to FIFA WC quarterfinal for first time, beat Brazil 2-1</a>

Spain vs Portugal

Despite his frustration, Garcia insisted Belgium would remain focused on preparation for the knockout tie, even as media scrutiny around the ruling intensified. “Please don't waste your time talking about that. We want to focus on sporting matters.” Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also addressed the situation, acknowledging the controversy but reaffirming the squad’s focus."For us as players, nothing changes. We focus on the game, to win on the pitch, whoever plays."&nbsp;FIFA announced on Sunday that Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States after the governing body suspended the enforcement of his automatic one-match ban. In an official statement, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained its decision, saying, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticises FIFA’s decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play vs USA in World Cup 2026, calling it unfair and controversial

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has strongly criticised FIFA’s controversial decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to be eligible for the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between Belgium and the USA, according to news agency Reuters. The decision comes after FIFA suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a move that has sparked backlash from the Belgian camp. Garcia questioned the timing and fairness of the ruling, saying it undermined the spirit of the competition. “I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup the fifth of July is now the first of April and it's April Fool's Day.” The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) also reacted strongly, saying it was ‘astonished’ by FIFA’s decision and adding that it was ‘investigating all potential options’. Garcia backed his federation’s position, stressing that the issue goes beyond national interest. "We are not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football with its ethics and integrity." Also Read: History made! Erling Haaland's twin strike sends Norway to FIFA WC quarterfinal for first time, beat Brazil 2-1

Belgium’s Rudi Garcia slams FIFA over Folarin Balogun eligibility ruling, calling it unfair, while Courtois urges focus on World Cup clash against USA

'Didn't know that July 5 is now April Fool's Day': Belgium coach slams FIFA over shock ruling on Folarin Balogun

The B-52 first flew in 1952. It has outlasted 13 presidents, the Cold War, and every aircraft built to replace it. Here is why it is still the best option the US has.

The B-52 Stratofortress first flew in 1952 — before colour television was common, before commercial jet travel existed, and before most living humans were born. The US Air Force plans to keep flying it until 2050. Here is why no replacement has ever matched it.

Why US is still flying a 1952 war machine in 2026

President Donald Trump’s involvement in FIFA’s unexpected decision to clear striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium is under scrutiny, according to a report from CNN. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump held discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino this week following Balogun’s red card and requested a review of the incident. Shortly after, FIFA announced a surprising decision to suspend the striker’s automatic one-match ban for one year, making him eligible for the Round of 16 clash in Seattle.&nbsp;The ruling came as a shock to many, as the US team and supporters had believed there was no mechanism to overturn the suspension. FIFA later confirmed the decision, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows the governing body to suspend the implementation of disciplinary sanctions under a probationary period. The controversy stems from Balogun’s red card during the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The forward was sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review ruled that he had stepped on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during a challenge deemed ‘serious foul play’.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2026-jannik-sinner-cruises-into-fifth-straight-quarterfinal-with-dominant-win-1783285963265">Wimbledon 2026: Jannik Sinner cruises into fifth straight quarterfinal with dominant win</a>

Despite the incident, Balogun has been a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking setup, leading the team’s scoring charts with three goals in four matches, including a first-half strike before his dismissal. Under normal circumstances, the red card would have ruled him out of the next match, but FIFA’s decision now places the suspension on hold.&nbsp;The governing body clarified that the ban is suspended “for a probationary period of one year.” However, the disciplinary record remains active, meaning any similar offense during this period would immediately reactivate the suspension along with additional penalties. US Soccer responded cautiously, welcoming the decision while shifting focus to the upcoming fixture. “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,”US Soccer added, “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban before USA vs Belgium is under scrutiny after reports of Donald Trump’s involvement in talks with Gianni Infantino

President Donald Trump’s involvement in FIFA’s unexpected decision to clear striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium is under scrutiny, according to a report from CNN. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Trump held discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino this week following Balogun’s red card and requested a review of the incident. Shortly after, FIFA announced a surprising decision to suspend the striker’s automatic one-match ban for one year, making him eligible for the Round of 16 clash in Seattle. The ruling came as a shock to many, as the US team and supporters had believed there was no mechanism to overturn the suspension. FIFA later confirmed the decision, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows the governing body to suspend the implementation of disciplinary sanctions under a probationary period. The controversy stems from Balogun’s red card during the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The forward was sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review ruled that he had stepped on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during a challenge deemed ‘serious foul play’. Also Read: Wimbledon 2026: Jannik Sinner cruises into fifth straight quarterfinal with dominant win

FIFA’s shock decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban ahead of USA against Belgium sparks scrutiny over Donald Trump’s reported involvement

Did Trump influence FIFA? Shock decision clears Folarin Balogun for USA vs Belgium World Cup clash

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‘Rule Broken!’: UEFA furious as FIFA clears US striker Balogun to play against Belgium

'Didn't know that July 5 is now April Fool's Day': Belgium coach Rudi slams FIFA

Why US is still flying a 1952 war machine in 2026

Donald Trump reportedly discussed Balogun's ban with FIFA before shock ruling