FIFA quietly issued punishment to United States for Belgium match
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA allowed U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium despite a prior red card, a decision that sparked controversy.
- Two U.S. staff members, team manager Sam Zapatka and USSF vice president of security Frank Pannell, were suspended for the match due to mishandling FIFA match protocols and unauthorized presence in restricted areas.
- FIFA fined Balogun $40,000 and held the U.S. Soccer Federation jointly liable for the payment, following investigations into his red card and his re-entry onto the field to celebrate after the win.
- The specific reasons for the staff suspensions and the exact infringement leading to Balogun's fine were not fully clarified by FIFA or the USSF.
