Bryson DeChambeau wanted Donald Trump to intervene in Open controversy – report
Bryson DeChambeau wanted to involve United States president Donald Trump in his rules controversy at The Open, it has been claimed.
Folarin Balogun Sport News
IOC asked to investigate FIFA president’s role in Balogun reversal
The International Olympic Committee has received a complaint alleging FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly breached rules on political neutrality in his support of President Donald Trump. FairSquare, a nonprofit organization and advocacy group, asked the IOC to investigate, among several instances, Infantino’s possible involvement in the suspension of a one-game ban for striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play for the United States in a round of 16 match on July 6 against Belgium. Infantino acknowledged receiving a call from Trump, who publicly lobbied for Balogun to play, but the FIFA president said he did not interfere with the decision-making process. Balogun played as the USMNT was eliminated 4-1 by Belgium. He had received a direct red card in the 64th minute of a July 1 match for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic.
US striker Balogun expected controversy over suspended red-card ban
July 14 : U.S. striker Folarin Balogun said he knew FIFA's decision to suspend his one-game red-card ban at the World Cup would cause "a lot of controversy", after U.S. President Donald Trump called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision.
USMNT's Folarin Balogun: World Cup ban overturn affected teammates - ESPN
United States striker Folarin Balogun said he knew that the suspension of his red card would «cause a lot of controversy» during the World Cup and that he recognized the impact it had on his teammates.
Folarin Balogun joins LeBron James' Klutch Sports agency after breakout World Cup - ESPN
United States forward Folarin Balogun has signed with LeBron James' agency Klutch Sports following a breakout World Cup that elevated his profile on and off the pitch.
Two US soccer team staff members suspended by FIFA for Belgium World Cup game
FLORIDA, USA: Two staff members of the US soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium. FIFA did not explain why they imposed the discipline on team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell. The USSF did not give a reason Tuesday other than to say it was not related to the successful effort to have forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game, red-card suspension lifted. Zapatka has been the team’s administrative manager since 2020 and has worked for the USSF since 2015. The US were eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium.
FIFA suspended 2 U.S. staff members for Belgium game - ESPN
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Two staff members of the United States men's soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday's round-of-16 game against Belgium.
FIFA praises World Cup referee who Trump claimed was ‘suspect’ after red card for Balogun
FLORIDA, USA: FIFA has defended the reputation of World Cup referee Raphael Claus in rare pushback on comments by US President Donald Trump, who questioned his integrity for sending off Folarin Balogun. Trump suggested on Monday at the White House, without elaborating, that the 46-year-old Brazilian was “a little bit suspect if you check his past.” Claus red-carded Balogun against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week, setting off a furor that saw Trump intervene with FIFA to ensure the United States forward could play against Belgium late Monday. FIFA praised Claus, who is working at his second World Cup, in a statement published before the US 4-1 loss that sent Belgium to the quarterfinals. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” FIFA said, calling Claus “one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member” of its team of World Cup match officials. FIFA made no similar statement in public support of Somali referee Omar Artan, who US authorities denied entry to the country last month ahead of the tournament. Like Artan, Claus has refereed the final of a top-tier competition in his home continent before being picked among the 52 referees by FIFA for this World Cup. Claus refereed Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage and worked the US’ 2-0 win over Bosnia in the round of 32.