FIFA criticized for decision to lift U.S. star’s red card suspension following Trump phone call

FIFA criticized for decision to lift U.S. star’s red card suspension following Trump phone call

FIFA is being criticized over its decision to lift the red card suspension for leading U.S. Men’s National Team scorer Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium on Monday night. 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,…

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Balogun and U.S.-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out

Balogun and U.S.-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out

The U.S. headed into its Round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium dealing with controversy after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban, paving the way for the team’s leading scorer to play. Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged…

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Donald Trump confirms asking FIFA to review ban to review Folarin Balogun red-card ban

Donald Trump confirms asking FIFA to review ban to review Folarin Balogun red-card ban

Trump also said referee Raphael Claus’ decision to send off Balogun was “horrible” and called the Brazilian “a little bit suspect”. In response, the Brazilian football conferdation (CBF) defended Claus’ integrity, stating: “There is nothing in his record that discredits him or gives grounds for any suspicion. He is an exemplary professional.” In a statement…

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Khamenei family mourns, but Mojtaba’s absence fuels public insecurity | US-Israel war on Iran News

Khamenei family mourns, but Mojtaba’s absence fuels public insecurity | US-Israel war on Iran News

Millions of mourners have attended the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as have representatives of several dozen countries — presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, parliament speakers and more. Yet as the multiday event weaves its way through Iran — the procession will then pass into Iraq — residents across Tehran have…

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