Two US soccer officials suspended by FIFA for match protocol violations
FIFA overturns US football star’s suspension and Belgium appeals decision
Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt highlights the ongoing FIFA red card debate. FIFA lifted the suspension of US football star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in tonight’s crucial match against Belgium. However, the Belgian team is expected to appeal FIFA’s decision, creating further uncertainty hours before the game.
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FIFA has suspended at least two key members of the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup match against Belgium, according to multiple reports.
ESPN reported that team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell were the two personnel banned from the match. The USA lost 4-1 to Belgium, ending its 2026 World Cup series.
The tournament’s governing body did not provide any explanation as to the reason for the suspensions.
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A detailed view of the United States Soccer Federation crest logo is seen in game action in the player and team tunnel during an international friendly between the United States and Ecuador men’s national teams at Orlando City Stadium on March 21, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Icon Sportswire via Robin Alam/Getty Images)
ESPNSources also reported that the suspensions were likely linked to events that occurred during Team USA’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 last week. The alleged violations involved FIFA match protocols and possibly people entering restricted areas. There were no known physical fights.
USA ADVANCES IN WORLD CUP AFTER CONtroversial RED CARD AGAINST BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
After joining the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2015, Zapatka was named the team’s executive manager in 2020.
While US Soccer did not say why the suspensions were imposed, it emphasized Tuesday that they were not related to the appeal process for star forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card suspension.
Preparations are being made at Soccer House ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California on June 6, 2026. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Belgium appealed FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, but the board ultimately stuck to its original decision and allowed the Team USA forward to take the field.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he watched the controversial play and later called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card.
“I talked to Gianni,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
United States men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
“All I did was request a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” the president said. “And again, I’m fine with that. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes bumping into each other and getting tangled up.”
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By defeating the USA, Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals and will face Spain at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
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