Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has called for the deportation of American citizens who express dissatisfaction with FIFA's decision to suspend a one-match ban for U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun. The decision allows Balogun to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.

FIFA intervened on Sunday to suspend the ban stemming from a red card Balogun received on July 1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This ruling is seen as a significant advantage for the U.S. team.

According to reports, President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to inquire about the reasons for Balogun's red card and the subsequent ban. FIFA then announced the suspension of the ban for a one-year probationary period, contingent on Balogun not committing further offenses of similar gravity.

While the suspension of the ban was met with celebration by many U.S. fans and President Trump, who posted on Truth Social, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!", some have voiced dissent.

Portnoy, who was among the first to report that Balogun's red card might be overturned, responded to these critics. He stated on Monday morning, "If your brain is broken by politics so much that you aren’t happy Balogun is playing, and you’re an American citizen, you should be deported."

He further elaborated, "I want you out of the country. If you have a problem with this guy playing, because you’re letting politics get in the way, deported. I want you on the first bus, plane, train... see ya! Go live somewhere else. This is about winning soccer."

Portnoy initially hinted at his sources on social media before the FIFA decision was confirmed. After the ban was officially suspended, he posted an image suggesting a connection to President Trump, writing, "A lot of people are asking me how this red card got reversed... Well a great journalist never reveals their sources. Sorry."

On Monday morning, Portnoy revealed that the information originated from "the highest levels of power in the world" within the Trump administration, stating, "It's pretty obvious where it came from. It came from the Trump administration!"

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been pictured alongside Donald Trump. The controversy highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and nationalistic sentiment during major international competitions.