Last Updated on July 7, 2026
FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban before the USA face Belgium has drawn condemnation from UEFA, Jurgen Klopp and Wayne Rooney amid claims of White House pressure. In the Premier League, Newcastle confirm a £43m deal for Bazoumana Toure.
FIFA lifts Balogun ban as football world erupts
FIFA has suspended the ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 tie kicking off at 2.00am, and the decision has triggered fierce criticism from across the sport. Balogun was sent off in the group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after standing on an opponent’s ankle, and FIFA has not offered any explanation for reversing the suspension.
According to Politico, the White House campaign to overturn the red card began minutes after the dismissal, with President Donald Trump reportedly phoning FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the Thursday before the ban was suspended on Sunday. UEFA branded the move "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjust", warning that "a red line has been crossed" and that the decision undermines the credibility of the tournament and sets a precedent for the rest of it.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, working as an analyst for Magenta TV, said that if Trump and Infantino had arranged it between them, "that is insane", adding: "These two people, who know nothing about football, should not get involved. It is our sport, not their sport!". England coach Thomas Tuchel, speaking after the win over Mexico, asked "Where does this end?" and joked about reversing Jarell Quansah’s red card. Wayne Rooney called it "an absolute disgrace", while Gary Neville said "this case stinks" and Roy Keane called it "a favour for a friend". The Belgian football association (KBVB) has lodged an appeal with FIFA’s appeals commission.
Newcastle confirm £43m signing of winger Toure
Newcastle have completed the £43m signing of Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, making the Cote d’Ivoire international Eddie Howe’s second summer arrival. The 20-year-old winger follows former Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who is expected to start the season as the club’s second-choice keeper.
Toure appears set to fill the role vacated by Anthony Gordon, who left St James’ Park for Barcelona in May. "I am very excited to play at St James’ Park," the winger said on completing the move. The signing addresses a key attacking gap for Howe’s side following Gordon’s departure, with Newcastle moving early in the transfer window to secure a young forward described as having "a high ceiling".
Trump lobbying claims deepen FIFA credibility crisis
The German football association president Bernd Neuendorf demanded an immediate explanation from FIFA, saying "the impression that this involves political interference" puts the organisation’s credibility and integrity at stake. Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prevot said that if a phone call was truly the reason for the decision, it would be "a gross violation of the basic rules of football and sport".
EU sports commissioner Glenn Micallef stated that decisions about sport must be taken by sporting bodies, not politicians. The Dutch association (KNVB) responded more cautiously, calling it "a remarkable decision" while noting it did not know all the facts and referring inquiries to FIFA, UEFA and the Belgian federation. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also reacted with indignation, asking "Where is this going, FIFA?".
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Why did FIFA reverse Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension?
FIFA suspended Balogun’s ban ahead of the USA’s last-16 match against Belgium but did not provide any explanation. Reports from Politico claim a White House lobbying campaign, including a phone call from President Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, drove the decision.
Can Balogun now play against Belgium?
Yes. With his suspension suspended by FIFA, Balogun is cleared to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 tie kicking off at 2.00am. You can follow the odds on the World Cup knockout ties at the top Bitcoin betting sites.
How did UEFA react to the Balogun decision?
UEFA called the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjust", saying "a red line has been crossed" and warning it undermines the credibility of the tournament and sets a precedent for the rest of it.
Who did Newcastle sign from Hoffenheim?
Newcastle completed a £43m deal for 20-year-old Cote d’Ivoire winger Bazoumana Toure, Eddie Howe’s second summer signing after goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
Why did Newcastle sign Bazoumana Toure?
Toure is expected to fill the attacking role vacated by Anthony Gordon, who left Newcastle for Barcelona in May. The winger said he was "very excited to play at St James’ Park".