The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask them to review Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban ahead of the USA’s clash with Belgium, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after he stumbled and stood on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic, ruling him out of the Last 16 clash with an automatic one-game suspension.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino was furious at the decision, which the referee made after being sent to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR, but it was confirmed that the USA could not appeal Balogun’s suspension due to competition rules.
However, it was announced on Sunday afternoon (5th July) that Balogun would now be available to feature in the game after FIFA opted to suspend his suspension, instead handing him a one-year probationary period.
Sources: White House Called FIFA Over Balogun Ban
Evelyn Hockstein via Reuters
GIVEMESPORT sources understand that decision came after The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s sending off and subsequent suspension.
FIFA were approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee. FIFA sources insist that White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel.
The decision means that Balogun will now be available to lead the line for his nation in the Round of 16 on Monday night, having been in spectacular form throughout the tournament.
The Monaco star, who came through the Hale End academy at Arsenal, is the USMNT’s top scorer in the tournament, having scored four times. He has registered at least one goal contribution in all three of his starts at the competition, having been rested for the final group game against Turkey on match day 3.
The Red Devils have made upgrading their midfield a priority in the transfer window, but a new forward and left-back have also been shortlisted if the budget can stretch that far, while the goalkeeper department is set for an overhaul too, with Altay Bayindir expected to move on.
The winger position is expected to be one that the club keep a close eye on, depending on what happens with the future of Marcus Rashford following the World Cup, and it has now emerged that they are closely monitoring a Brazilian sensation.
Man Utd Eyeing Rayan Deal
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According to AS journalist Edu Burgos, Man Utd are among the clubs showing a very strong interest in Bournemouth star Rayan.
The Brazil winger, who has been described as ‘deadly’, joined the Cherries in the January transfer window for £35m and excelled immediately as Antoine Semenyo’s replacement, netting five goals and registering two assists in 15 appearances.
Those performances earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, and he has started on the right-wing ahead of Neymar, Luiz Henrique, and Gabriel Martinelli since Raphinha suffered an injury in the win over Haiti.
His performances have seen United hold internal discussions about making a move for his services, although Bournemouth are adamant that he will spend the 2026/27 season at the Vitality Stadium.
However, the 19-year-old has a €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract that becomes active in the summer of 2027, and it now seems inevitable that he could be on the move next summer at the very latest.
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Man Utd Could Skip the Queue With Big Rayan Bid
Rayan is someone who has had eyes on him since he was tearing it up in Brazil, and it was somewhat a surprise when Bournemouth won the race for his signature in January.
But with his performances showing he is ready for the top level, a number of clubs are circling and waiting in anticipation for that release clause to come into effect.
Man Utd could skip the queue by making a mega offer this summer and getting a deal done early, but it won’t be easy to convince Bournemouth to sell early. It’s one to keep an eye on as the summer goes on, regardless of how unlikely it seems at this stage.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Former WWE Champion Sheamus is set to depart the company.
Per a report from Fightful Select, the 48-year-old’s contract is due to expire imminently. He is said to have rejected the chance to sign an extension under restructured terms.
In the hours before the news was announced, the Irish Superstar changed his social media handle to his real name, hinting at the end of his relationship with WWE.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
US President Donald Trump has thanked FIFA for making the “right” decision and suspending USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s red card.
Balogun received his marching orders in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Round 32 of the World Cup. He unintentionally stood on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic’s calf, prompting VAR to advise Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to review the incident.
Claus showed Balogun a red card, to the outrage of American supporters and manager Mauricio Pochettino. The former Arsenal striker had been set to miss his nation’s last 16 clash with Belgium on Tuesday (July 7th), but FIFA have reversed the decision.
Trump Thanks FIFA for Suspending Balogun Red Card
Credit: Aaron Schwartz / Pool/Sipa USA
FIFA have opted to hand Balogun a suspended one-game ban under Article 27. It means the American forward is free to play against Belgium at Seattle Stadium in Washington.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Balogun’s sending off has been shrouded in controversy, as some argue it was unjustified. Pochettino didn’t think his striker’s challenge warranted a red card.
Others made comparisons to Lionel Messi’s challenge in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in the World Cup group stages. The Argentine forward didn’t even receive a booking for a foul a VAR expert believes was “even worse” than Balogun’s.
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White House ‘Didn’t Influence’ FIFA Decision
Carlos Barria via Action Images via Reuters
FIFA sources have insisted that White House influence can’t affect decisions because of the powers contained in Article 27. This article of the Disciplinary Code says that a “judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted to the red card and claimed that the USA “got screwed.” He suggested that an “appeal process” was required but believed it was too late for that.
This isn’t the first time FIFA have used Article 27, as they cleared Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal’s opening World Cup games. The former Manchester United star was sent off in a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in November.
Balogun will now be available for the World Cup co-hosts against Belgium, and it’s a much-needed boost for Pochettino. The AS Monaco frontman is his nation’s top scorer with three goals in as many games, including one in the win over Bosnia.
