Balogun says Trump intervention at World Cup created ‘outside noise’ for USMNT
6 verified5 unconfirmed
United States striker Folarin Balogun acknowledged that the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to suspend his one-game red-card ban at the World Cup created “a lot of outside noise” that was hard for the team to avoid. The decision came after President Donald Trump and White House officials lobbied FIFA, which prompted widespread condemnation from European football’s governing body. Balogun, who scored three goals in the tournament, said he knew the situation would cause “a lot of controversy” and that he could see nerves among his teammates. He learned he could play in the round of 16 match against Belgium while on the team bus, leading to “screaming and shouting” from the squad. The USMNT lost that match 4-1, but Balogun does not blame the controversy for the defeat, stating the team maintained full concentration. He also expressed hope that head coach Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract has expired, will continue with the team.
What’s verified
FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban after US President Donald Trump and White House officials lobbied the world governing body.
Balogun stated that the controversy caused “nerves” among his teammates and that the “outside noise” was difficult to avoid.
Balogun learned he would be eligible to play in the round of 16 match while on the team bus.
The United States lost the round of 16 match 4-1 to Belgium.
Balogun scored three goals during the World Cup.
Balogun said that as professionals, the team was able to separate the emotion from the task at hand.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reported that FIFA suspended the ban for one year.
Only one source reported that UEFA called the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
Only one source reported that England’s Jarell Quansah received a two-match ban for a similar red-card offense during the tournament.
Only one source reported that Balogun was “in shock” when he received the red card.
Only one source reported that Pochettino’s contract expired after the World Cup and that US Soccer will continue conversations with him.
Misconceptions
Both sources address the misconception that the red-card controversy caused the USMNT’s loss to Belgium. Balogun stated that the team had “full concentration going into the game” and that the defeat was due to facing a strong Belgian side, not the off-field distraction.
Key figures
Folarin Balogun: United States and Monaco striker
Donald Trump: US President
Gianni Infantino: FIFA president
Mauricio Pochettino: USMNT head coach (contract status unclear)
Sources: BBC News, CBS Sports
