Two American soccer officials have been suspended by FIFA for violating the game’s contract
FIFA overturns the suspension of the American football star, Belgium to appeal the decision
Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt highlights the ongoing FIFA red card controversy. FIFA overturned the suspension of Team USA soccer star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in tonight’s key match against Belgium. However, the Belgian team is expected to file an appeal against FIFA’s decision, which raised doubts just hours before the match.
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FIFA has issued suspensions to at least two key members of the US Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup match against Belgium, according to multiple reports.
ESPN reported that team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell were the two employees banned from the game. The US went on to lose 4-1 to Belgium, ending their 2026 World Cup bid.
The governing body of the competition did not reveal the reason for the suspension of the competition.
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A detailed view of the United States Soccer Federation crest logo is seen in the player and team tunnel during the match during the international friendly match between the United States and Ecuador men’s national teams on March 21, 2019 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ESPN, citing sources, also reported that the suspension was related to the incidents that occurred during Team USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week in the Round of 32. The alleged violations include FIFA game rules and people who may have entered restricted areas. There was no known physical conflict.
USA PROGRESS IN WORLD TOURNAMENT AFTER RED CARD PROBLEM VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
After joining the US Soccer Federation in 2015, Zapatka was appointed as the club’s manager in 2020.
While US Soccer did not disclose why the players’ suspensions were lifted, they stressed on Tuesday that they are not connected to the appeals process regarding the one-game red card suspension of popular striker Folarin Balogun.
Preparations are made at the Soccer House ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Venice Beach, June 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Belgium challenged FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, but the governing body ultimately stood by its original decision, allowing the Team USA player to participate.
President Donald Trump said on Monday that he watched the controversial match and called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card.
“I talked to Gianni,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
United States men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus in Santa Clara, California, July 1, 2026. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
“What I did was, I asked for it to be reviewed, because I didn’t think it was bad,” said the president. “And again, I know this very well. I didn’t think it was a mistake. I thought two great athletes collided and got stuck.”
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By defeating the US, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Spain on Friday at the Los Angeles Stadium.
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