Balogun admits he knew the red‑card reversal would spark controversy

In a live interview on CBS Morning, American striker Folarin Balogun explained why he “knew immediately” the decision to overturn his World Cup red card would ignite controversy, recalling the president’s phone call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that led to the suspension being rescinded before the round‑of‑16 clash with Belgium. Balogun said he was initially pleased that the red card issued in the World Cup duel with Bosnia and Herzegovina was withdrawn, but he “knew immediately” it would lead to a lot of turmoil. "I was shocked by the red card, but had to accept the decision," he told CBS Morning, adding that such a moment should never have warranted a sending‑off.

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FIFA acted after President Trump phoned Gianni Infantino, erasing the suspension and allowing Balogun to feature in the knockout stage against Belgium. UEFA issued a statement that FIFA “had crossed a line,” while the Belgian FA expressed serious concern and head coach Rudi Garcia dismissed the reversal as a “1 April joke.” Balogun recognised he had become the centrepiece of the dispute, noting that his teammates were tense and the external criticism was hard to ignore. The British Times reported that the controversial decision was taken by a single individual within FIFA. Voorzitter Mohammad Al‑Kamali of the FIFA disciplinary committee acted alone, with the other seventeen members of the committee not consulted.