Folarin Balogun's father, Ben Balogun, stated he is glad President Donald Trump intervened to suspend his son's one-game ban but understands the dissatisfaction some may feel about politics entering sports.
Balogun, the U.S. team's top scorer with three goals in the tournament, received a straight red card during the team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision was initially met with criticism. However, President Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the ruling.
"I didn't like the idea of politics being brought into sport - but I'm glad that President Trump did what he did - it's good for America and good for the U.S. team," Ben Balogun told the Daily Mail. He added that while he believes FIFA ultimately agreed the initial red card was not warranted, the extent of Trump's influence remains unclear.
Trump himself confirmed he spoke with Infantino, stating he asked for a review and that the play was not a foul. "That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed who happened to crash into each other," Trump said. Following the review, FIFA suspended the ban, making Balogun available for the match against Belgium. Trump later posted on social media, thanking FIFA for reversing what he called a "great injustice."
The Belgian Football Association appealed the decision, but FIFA rejected it shortly before their game began. Ben Balogun acknowledged that "people will be unhappy about this" but expressed happiness that Folarin could play.
Folarin Balogun, 25, became eligible to play for the U.S. after his mother's holiday in Brooklyn, New York, led to his birth there. Although he grew up in London and represented England at youth levels, he opted to play for the U.S. senior national team in May 2023.
His father explained the decision to play for the U.S. might have been due to fewer established players ahead of him compared to England, and that football is not as prominent in the U.S. The family supports both England and the U.S. in the tournament.
Folarin Balogun himself has called the tackle that led to his red card unintentional and felt a yellow card would have been a more appropriate punishment. He joined Arsenal's academy at age six, progressed to the first team, and has had successful loan spells, most recently at French club Reims before a transfer to Monaco.
