Banned former FIFA president criticizes organization's decision on Folarin Balogun

OutKick founder Clay Travis discusses FIFA's decision to lift U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun's red card suspension on ‘Fox Report.’

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter reacted to the soccer organization’s decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s red card ban ahead of the squad’s match against Belgium.

Blatter was banned twice by FIFA after a corruption investigation and remains suspended from participating in organization activities until 2027. Current FIFA President Gianni Infantino ultimately replaced Blatter as the head.

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FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter greets the USA team prior to their 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup match against North Korea at Chengdu Sports Center Stadium. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. (CSPA / USA TODAY Sports)

Balogun received a red card during the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on the ankle of a defender while trying to corral a ball. The card was issued after a VAR review. Amid the uproar, a source told Fox News that President Donald Trump called Infantino and asked that FIFA review the play. On Sunday, the reversal was announced.

"Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls," Blatter wrote on X. "They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?

"Football must never become a playground for political power."

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Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates after scoring the USMNT's third goal in the first half of Group Stage, Group D match