️ US striker Folarin Balogun has said he expected 'a lot of controversy' after FIFA suspended his one-game ban at the World Cup following a request from US President Donald Trump to review the decision.

️ Balogun was sent off in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0), but FIFA controversially suspended the ban for a one-year probationary period. Speaking to CBS Mornings, the striker addressed the incident for the first time.

️ 'My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team. But when I started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy. I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it was something that's so unique,' Balogun said.

️ The red card was issued for stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. FIFA's decision to suspend the ban led to accusations that the body bent its rules to please Trump.

️ The move drew sharp criticism from Belgium's football association, UEFA, a former FIFA president, and multiple top former players. Critics argued that overturning a red card suspension after direct political intervention undermined the tournament's integrity and set a dangerous precedent.

️ Balogun revealed he found out about the decision on the team bus: 'Everybody was screaming and shouting. It was a pretty intense bus ride to the practice field.' He admitted the saga made for a confusing few days but insisted he could separate emotion from the job.

️ The USA lost 1-4 to Belgium, with Balogun struggling to influence the game. He finished the tournament with three goals overall.

Source: www.aljazeera.com