sports
FIFA criticized for decision to lift U.S. star's red card suspension following Trump phone call
By Duarte Dias at CBS4 Miami
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
FIFA is being criticized over its decision to lift the red card suspension for lead U.S. Men's National Team scorer Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium on Monday.Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that Balogun's reinstatement came after President Trump called FIFA Presi
Key takeaway The Union of European Football Associations, Europe's soccer governing body, said FIFA "crossed a red line," and expressed its "disbelief" at a decision it called "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's diverse community, with its strong Latin American and Caribbean roots, is likely to be closely watching the fallout from FIFA's decision to lift the red card suspension of U.S. star Folarin Balogun. The city's passionate soccer fans, who flock to venues like the Inter Miami CF Stadium, will be interested in how this controversy affects the integrity of the game. As a major hub for international soccer enthusiasts, Miami is home to many who expect fair play and adherence to rules. The criticism from European soccer governing bodies and prominent commentators will resonate with Miamians who value the sport's global appeal and traditions. With the U.S. team set to face Belgium, Miami's soccer fans will be eager to see how this decision impacts the team's performance and the overall tournament. The city's love for soccer and its international connections make this controversy a significant talking point in Miami's sports scene.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: sports ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FIFA is being criticized over its decision to lift the red card suspension for lead U.S. Men's National Team scorer Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium on Monday.Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that Balogun's reinstatement came after President Trump called FIFA Presi
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Duarte Dias at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more sports coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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