Sport
World Cup in photos: Balogun controversy looms over U.S.-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out
Key Points
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 for foul play during the United States' 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as "unprecedented,...
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 for foul play during the United States' 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.
World Cup (EVENT)
Balogun (PERSON)
Ronaldo (PERSON)
U.S. (LOCATION)
Belgium (LOCATION)
FIFA (ORG)
Folarin Balogun's (PERSON)
the United States' (LOCATION)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (LOCATION)
UEFA (ORG)
Donald Trump (PERSON)
Gianni Infantino (PERSON)
Cristiano Ronaldo's (PERSON)
the World Cup (EVENT)
Portugal (LOCATION)