Politics

Belgians formally challenge Balogun decision

Published

2 hours ago

July 6, 2026

The Royal Belgian Football Association has formally challenged FIFA’s decision to withdraw the one-match suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, contesting his eligibility to play in tonight’s match between Belgium and the United States.

“The RBFA has still not received either a decision or any explanation from FIFA regarding this case. It therefore has no choice but to formally challenge the eligibility of the player concerned for the upcoming match,” the association stated on Monday.

“Regardless of the sporting outcome of the match, the RBFA has serious concerns about the way this matter has been handled. In the hours, days and months ahead, it will continue to defend the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition and the interests of football as a whole,” the statement went on.

The move comes following criticism from both Belgian politicians and EU officials, who have questioned FIFA’s handling of the case after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump intervened by contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Politics

Dallas police officials trade gifts with Egyptians after fracas

Published

13 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

A high-ranking Dallas police commander met with Egyptian World Cup officials over the weekend to smooth over relations after an altercation between the team’s staff and a city officer.

Deputy Chief Osama Ismail, who speaks Arabic, met and exchanged gifts Saturday with Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, his brother and team manager Ibrahim Hassan, team captain Mohamed Salah and others, the department said in a statement on social media.

“We understand one conversation can make a difference and respect is demonstrated through actions,” the statement said.

The team — and the Dallas police — made international headlines Thursday night when a Dallas officer was caught on video shouting at and shoving Ibrahim Hassan and other team staffers in the lobby of the team hotel.

Egypt went on to beat Australia in Dallas on Friday. Hossam Hassan said at the postgame press conference that he was satisfied with the police response, adding, “We have nothing to follow up in that regard.”

Politics

Belgian’s Beltway fans

Published

28 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

WASHINGTON — As all eyes are on Seattle, Belgian fans will gather not far from the source of the day’s real intrigue — the White House — for tonight’s match.

Staffers from the Belgian Embassy will be at Wunder Garten, a trendy outdoor beer garden in the city’s NoMa neighborhood, ringing in the game with drink specials and prize giveaways. They’ll take in a game dripping in controversy — after FIFA’s decision Sunday to revoke American striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension from the match.

Critics charge that the decision was steered by the White House. Blue Light News will be on the scene with Belgium’s Beltway fanbase.

Politics

Trump confirms he called FIFA head but says he didn’t influence overturning Balogun’s red card

Published

43 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

President Donald Trump said Monday that he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued against a star American soccer player ahead of a monumental last-16 game, but emphasized that he did not unduly influence the controversial decision.

The ruling by the international soccer governing body to suspend a red card issued against American Folarin Balogun during its knockout tilt against Bosnia and Herzegovina sparked concerns over the president’s potential influence over the decision. Blue Light News reported Sunday that Trump had called Infantino regarding the red card, which the president subsequently confirmed Monday.

“Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA,” Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office.

However, the president rebuffed the idea that his talks with Infantino influenced the decision, even as the FIFA president has cozied up to Trump during his second term — showering him in compliments and creating a new “peace prize” that he awarded Trump ahead of the tournament.

“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said. “I didn’t say that you have to do this.”

The comments come after a slate of other nations’ soccer federations panned the decision, with the European Commission demanding “fair play and transparent competition” in sports. Belgian officials, whose country will play against the U.S. today, expressed intense consternations and have formally challenged the ruling.

Trump on Monday described his reaction to the initial game call as confused. He characterized the collision between Balogun and Tarik Muharemović as the two players being “sort of entangled” and, upon learning that a red card would bar Balogun from suiting up for the U.S.’s match against Belgium, thought it was “unfair.”

“It is one thing to penalize somebody for the game,” Trump said. “But how do you penalize him for a game that hasn’t been played yet? It’s very unfair, you can’t do that.”

The president took the opportunity to celebrate the success of the World Cup— which has high attendance across its venues and strong viewership — and said Balogun’s red card would have been a “big stain” on the tournament had it been upheld.

The president on Monday cast suspicions on the referee who delivered the red card to Balogun, Brazilian official Raphael Claus, calling him “a little bit suspect, if you check his past.”

Asked by a reporter if he had spoken with the Belgian prime minister, Trump said he hadn’t but would be open to it. Belgium’s foreign minister told Blue Light News that the decision “raises many questions,” its soccer federation issued a livid statement in the aftermath of the decision and subsequently challenged Balogun’s eligibilityahead of the match.

“I will tell you this,” Trump continued. “The people of Belgium, if they win the game, they can be very proud.”