WORLD CUP | FIFA Reportedly Suspends Two U.S. Soccer Officials Ahead of USMNT Game vs. Belgium

FIFA reportedly suspended U.S. Soccer team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer vice president of security Frank Pannell ahead of the USMNT’s game against Belgium, according to Yahoo Sports. U.S. Soccer acknowledged the suspensions but directed inquiries to FIFA, which declined comment, and it was unclear what prompted the action. The suspensions came amid a disciplinary case involving Folarin Balogun, who was sent off in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday before FIFA reversed his one-game ban, allowing him to play Tuesday against Belgium despite an appeal from the Belgian football federation. The USMNT lost 4-1, and FIFA’s disciplinary committee later issued a 13-point statement announcing fines for Balogun and U.S. Soccer after Balogun was seen celebrating on the field following the Bosnia and Herzegovina match despite having been shown a red card.