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Folarin Balogun was permitted to play against Belgium, but two U.S. Soccer officials were suspended for Monday's game -Credit:Al Sermeno/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images
Two U.S. Soccer officials connected to the U.S. Men's National Team were handed suspensions ahead of Monday's 4-1 loss to Belgium, though the news was largely overshadowed by the attention surrounding striker Folarin Balogun.
The USMNT was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup on Monday after a humiliating defeat to Belgium, with Balogun controversially permitted to take the field. Nevertheless, Belgium cruised to victory and took a dig at President Donald Trump, a moment that carried into the locker room as captured in post-match footage.
The crushing loss was also witnessed by a record television audience, after FOX Sports confirmed it was the most-watched soccer broadcast in U.S. history. Among the 30 million viewers tuning in were two U.S. Soccer officials, who had been suspended following the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, as per The Mirror US.
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Balogun was unable to inspire the USMNT to a win in Seattle, as they were knocked out of the World Cup by Belgium -Credit:Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
FIFA publishes suspensions and bans on its official website, though it is typically player bans that receive the most attention and discussion. In the latest round of sanctions involving the USMNT and Belgium, team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer vice president of security Frank Pannell were both handed suspensions.
FIFA's website confirmed both suspensions, but provided no explanation as to what triggered the bans. There is speculation that the matter could be connected to Balogun's red card and his controversial reinstatement, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
The precise reason behind Zapatka and Pannell's suspension remains unclear, though it may be connected to FIFA's contentious management of Balogun's red card. The forward's situation became the dominant talking point leading into the Round of 16 matchup, as FIFA faced widespread criticism.
Balogun received a straight red card during the Bosnia match, which meant he would be unavailable for the Round of 16 encounter with Belgium. Yet FIFA opted to postpone his one-game suspension until after the World Cup, declaring him available to compete.
The ruling shocked World Cup observers, despite most fans initially disagreeing with Balogun's dismissal. The controversy intensified when Trump applauded FIFA's ruling from the Oval Office on Monday and revealed that he had reached out to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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Belgium reacted by threatening repercussions, cautioning against the USMNT including him on the roster. Balogun featured in the starting lineup but struggled to make an impression and recorded the fewest ball touches during the opening 45 minutes.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino was thrilled to have Balogun available, yet the host country still exited the World Cup. Despite securing a comfortable victory, Belgium twisted the knife on social media. When sharing a graphic displaying the 4-1 final score, Belgium's X account wrote, "Overturn this."
Nevertheless, Belgium harbored no ill will toward Balogun, which became apparent following the final whistle. Following Belgium's progression to the quarterfinals, head coach Rudi Garcia revealed he had spoken with Balogun, emphasizing that the hostility was not directed at the player personally. Garcia disclosed that Balogun sought him out for a conversation after the final whistle.
"He [Balogun] came to talk to me. I really liked that. It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame, I told him that. I appreciate the intention of him speaking to me," Garcia said.
The development comes as the World Cup racism scandal continued to intensify, with both FIFA and the United Nations releasing statements from Kylian Mbappé.
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