Belgium Thrashes US After Trump-FIFA Intervention

Belgium beat the US 4–1 on Monday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals, ending the Americans’ tournament despite FIFA’s decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban after personal intervention by President Donald Trump.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization’s disciplinary process after Trump hailed the decision as “brilliant”. Infantino said FIFA’s judicial bodies had acted “independently and autonomously”, and that he had told Trump the Balogun case was subject to an ongoing legal process after the US president personally urged him to review it.

The decision has drawn criticism from UEFA, the Royal Belgian Football Association, several national federations and senior figures in the sport, including former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. Critics argue that FIFA has undermined confidence in its own disciplinary system.

Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility before kickoff, but FIFA rejected the appeal and the striker started the match. He made little impact as the Americans exited the tournament.

Trump also questioned the quality of Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who had sent Balogun off in the previous round, calling him “a little bit suspect if you check his past”. The Brazilian Football Confederation rejected any suggestion that Claus’s integrity was in doubt.

The controversy could have wider consequences for the tournament. England, whose defender Jarell Quansah was sent off in Sunday night’s last-16 win over Mexico, is now considering its options over a possible appeal, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Critics say the Balogun case has raised doubts over the consistency and credibility of World Cup discipline.

(Reuters, Max)