WORLD CUP | Balogun Says FIFA Ban Suspension Caused Controversy and Nerves in US Camp

United States striker Folarin Balogun said he expected “a lot of controversy” after FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended his automatic one-game ban for a year following his red card for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32, and he said he sensed “nerves” among team-mates as the fallout grew, according to Yahoo Sports. The decision, which came two days before the USA’s 4-1 last-16 loss to Belgium, drew condemnation after reports that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA; UEFA called the ruling “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” Balogun said he learned he could play while on the team bus and started against Belgium, though he did not score, and he added that he did not believe the episode distracted Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The article also noted England’s Jarell Quansah received a two-match ban for a similar serious foul play red card in a 3-2 win over Mexico.