Leeds United return to the City Ground on Tuesday full of confidence, Anton Stach's stoppage-time free-kick having secured a 1-0 win in the same fixture just four days earlier. Daniel Farke will be keen to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time as Leeds boss.
Willy Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson are both out with muscle injuries, Gnonto having picked his up in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Dublin. Ilia Gruev remains a longer-term absentee with a knee issue, though he has partially reintegrated into training, and his involvement in the matchday squad is unclear.
Farke confirmed everyone else in his squad is available for selection, including summer signing Nico Elvedi, who was cleared to play before the weekend and made the bench for the Premier League opener without being used. Noah Okafor's fitness levels remain worth monitoring, having missed the entire pre-season after an extended break following Switzerland's World Cup run.
Elvedi is expected to come into the back three for his first Leeds involvement, with Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic retained alongside him and Jaka Bijol among those to make way. James Justin and Jayden Bogle offer athletic options at wing-back capable of managing the quick turnaround, while Ao Tanaka could be given a rare start in place of Anton Stach, who is expected to be held back as an attacking option from the bench. Farke is likely to freshen his attack too, with Daniel James, Felix Nmecha and Noah Okafor in line to lead the line ahead of Saturday's starters.
Leeds United possible starting XI (3-4-3): Perri; Elvedi, Rodon, Muharemovic; Bogle, Tanaka, Longstaff, Justin; James, Nmecha, Okafor

#leeds #back #anton

After a productive pre-season schedule drew to a close, Leeds United finally begin the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Last term, the Whites impressed on the return to the top-flight with an outstanding 47 points haul, finishing in 14th place and reaching the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals!
Across the summer, it has been all systems go behind the scenes with United securing the signatures of four very exciting new additions, beginning with Wales international Harry Wilson who joins the club after a stellar season last time out with Fulham that saw him crowned Player of the Year at Craven Cottage.
Then, commanding central defender Tarik Muharemović arrived from Sassuolo before England international James Trafford made the switch on a club-record deal from Manchester City. Further experience was added at the back through Borussia Mönchengladbach's Nico Elvedi.
After an enjoyable tour of the US, Daniel Farke's side have beaten Bundesliga outfits RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Elland Road, as well as drawing with rivals Manchester United at Dublin's Croke Park.

#united #manchester #last #leeds

Leeds United will lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this Saturday as they hope to secure maximum points on the road in the Premier League. The Whites managed to earn a dominant 4-0 win over Augsburg in a pre-season friendly match recently, which should give them some confidence going into this game.
Daniel Farke will set his team in a 3-4-3 formation and is expected to name a strong first team for this clash. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will get the nod to spearhead Leeds United's attack up top.
James Trafford will feature in goal for the Whites as he looks to secure a clean sheet at the City Ground this weekend. Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemović will make up Leeds' back three. All three of them would have to maintain a good defensive shape at the back if they want to keep the Nottingham attackers frustrated during the 90 minutes.
Sebastiaan Bornauw will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Harry Wilson of Leeds United looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and RB Leipzig at Elland Road on August 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

#leeds #city

Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi is set to join Leeds United, media reports in Germany and England said on Sunday.
The Switzerland centre back is due in Leeds on Monday for a medical and would become the Premier League side's fourth signing in the close season following Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford.
Leeds' Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw could make way by heading to Hamburg on loan, the UK's Press ****** ociation reported.
Elvedi worked with Leeds coach Daniel Farke while he was Gladbach boss in 2022-23.

#elvedi #borussia #united #sunday

Despite Leeds United cruising past FC Augsburg 4-0 at Elland Road, manager Daniel Farke believes his side can still improve as the pre-season calendar drew to a close.
Goals from Anton Stach, Tarik Muharemović, James Justin and Lukas Nmecha sealed the victory and while the boss was impressed with parts of what he had seen, he explained the real work starts next week with the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest.
"We can play better," the German told LUTV. "First half, in many situations, also a bit untidy and not precise on the ball. We definitely can play better football and have done this also during this pre-season.
"But overall, it is the fifth week of pre-season. You could feel we had many inputs also during this week. We had a long day with traveling, coming back late. The next day, straight away training session with tactical sessions, meetings, anyhow.
"And for that, we were not really fresh, sharp and flawless today. But nevertheless, we were there against normally a really good Bundesliga side.

#week #better #really

Netting a sublime first goal for the club in Leeds United's emphatic 4-0 victory over FC Augsburg was defender Tarik Muharemović, acrobatically lashing a powerful overhead kick into the back of the net as the Whites rounded off their pre-season campaign in style.
With the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest just around the corner, goals elsewhere from Anton Stach, James Justin and Lukas Nmecha helped the Whites to the win in what was an important outing at Elland Road.
"I don't even know!" the 6ft 4' defender laughed, discussing the audacious effort. "I just jumped. I just tried. Thank God it went how it went! First goal at home, a special moment.
"But at the end of the day, I am really happy how we finished the pre-season. I am really happy how the whole team played and how we fought. We showed our qualities and that is how we want to start the new season."
Since joining the club from Sassuolo, Muharemović has impressed in his first outings in white and he heaped praise on his teammates for helping him settle in so quickly.

#season #whites #club #defender

Leeds United are advancing in their pursuit of Nico Elvedi, with personal terms now reportedly agreed between the player and the Yorkshire club ahead of a potential move from Borussia Monchengladbach. As first reported by Florian Plettenberg, the proposed contract would run until 2029, with Leeds now expected to step up club-to-club negotiations.
This is shaping up to be another significant move in a summer that already carries real weight at Elland Road. Leeds have approached this window with purpose after securing Premier League survival last season, finishing 14th, and there is a clear sense that Daniel Farke wants to push the squad beyond simply staying up. Recruitment has reflected that ambition, with Harry Wilson arriving on a free transfer, Tarik Muharemovic joining for £34m and James Trafford signing from Manchester City for a club-record £40m.
Elvedi looks like a natural fit for where Leeds are heading. The 29-year-old brings experience, reliability and a level of tactical understanding that matters when a side is trying to become more stable in the Premier League. Borussia Monchengladbach are believed to be open to a sale if the conditions are right, while the player is understood to be keen on the opportunity to test himself in England.
From Leeds' perspective, the timing also makes sense. Defensive reinforcement has become a pressing priority after Pascal Struijk's departure to Brighton, especially with Farke having leaned into a back-three system during the run-in last season. Elvedi has the profile to suit that shape, given his reading of the game, composure in possession and comfort operating in an organised defensive unit.
There is also a valuable personal element to this pursuit. Farke knows Elvedi well from their time together in Germany, and that familiarity often helps move a deal from interest to genuine conviction. Managers do not push this hard unless they feel a player can improve the floor and ceiling of the side.

#leeds #club #borussia

Leeds United 2 (Calvert-Lewin 7', Nmecha 109')
RB Leipzig 0
Leeds first half XI: Cairns (GK), Bogle, Ampadu (C), Muharemović, Rodon, James, Longstaff, Calvert-Lewin, Wilson, Justin, Bornauw.
Leeds second half XI: Cairns (GK), Bogle (Gnonto 90'), Muharemović (Cresswell 90'), Aaronson, Nmecha, Bijol (C), Wilson (Mills 75'), Stach, Tanaka, Justin (Chadwick 90'), Lienou.
Venue: Elland Road | Attendance: 24,630 | Referee: Craig Pawson

#nmecha #muharemovi #justin

Leeds have confirmed the signing of James Trafford from Manchester City for an undisclosed club record fee, reported to be £40 million ($53.8 million) plus bonuses.
Trafford has agreed a five-year contract, while the deal eclipses the £36 million Leeds paid Hoffenheim for Georginio Rutter in January 2023 and also makes him the world's fourth most expensive goalkeeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea for £72 million), Alisson Becker (Roma to Liverpool, £67 million) and Andre Onana (Inter Milan to Manchester United, £47.2 million) are the only keepers to have cost more.
"Leeds United are delighted to confirm the signing of James Trafford," the club said in a statement.
"The 23-year-old England international arrives as our third permanent addition of the summer transfer window, after the acquisitions of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, and becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper in history."

#trafford #year #expensive

Speaking to CBS Mornings after the United States' elimination from their home World Cup, Balogun acknowledged that while he felt initial relief when FIFA lifted his suspension, the political involvement created an uncomfortable atmosphere within the squad.
"The first feeling was relief and happiness," Balogun said. "But shortly after, I realized the decision would provoke great repercussion and increase pressure on the entire group. As the match approached, you could notice a certain discomfort among my teammates."
The controversy began during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showed Balogun a red card after VAR review. The striker had caught defender Muharemovic's heel while challenging for the ball.
Balogun maintains the punishment was excessive, insisting the contact was unintentional and shouldn't have warranted a foul, let alone a red card. "Red cards should only be applied in plays with clear intention to hit the opponent," he argued.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: U.S. President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, chat during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Tarik Muharemovic will leave Serie A, as Juventus elected not to bring him back, while Antonio Silva, who had been attached to Milan, won't be coming to the Peninsula. Both are headed to the Premier League, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta).
Leeds United have bested Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Bosnian defender. They will pay €38/40M to Sassuolo. The Bianconeri will pocket half of that figure due to a 50 percent resale clause. They wished to acquire him for about €15M, but the Emilian side drove up his price tag. The center-back will sign a rich five-year deal.
While Juventus gave serious thought to signing Muharemovic, Milan didn't go past an initial inquiry for Antonio Silva. Benfica couldn't convince him to sign an extension and then swiftly sold him to the Cherries.
The Rossoneri have already signed Mario Gila for a higher fee. They might add further if they parted ways with Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman has been linked to the Old Lady, but they'll resume negotiating with Bologna for Jhon Lucumi first now that his €28M release clause is no longer in play. He's drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, though, Sportitalia informs.
The Rossoneri would have purchased the latter if they really wanted him, considering how much they shelled out for Gila, who's more of a sure thing. If they address the position again, it'll have to be a proper stud.

Now that Juventus are pocketing €20m from the €40m sale of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, they will reportedly use it to get Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.
Multiple sources report his evening that the agreement has been reached for Sassuolo to sell Muharemovic to Leeds for €40m.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 17: Jhon Lucumi #3 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The transfer window is heating up. Leeds United are pushing hard to wrap up their first major defensive signing of the summer, with Elland Road chiefs launching a formal verbal contract proposal to a highly rated Serie A star.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, the West Yorkshire club have jumped into pole position for the Bosnian international centre-back Tarik Muharemović. It is a bold move. They want the deal finalised next week. Two rival top-flight teams are still breathing down their necks, but Leeds United are confident they can cross the finishing line before anyone else has a chance to hijack the transfer.
Direct club-to-club talks with Italian side Sassuolo are already on the calendar to thrash out the financial structure. Crucially, the player wants the move to England. That gives Leeds a massive advantage in these negotiations.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 01: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States fouls Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina which is later reviewed by VAR and awarded as a red card foul a during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
The 23-year-old defender had a brilliant breakthrough year in Italy. He clocked up 32 league appearances during the recent 2025/26 Serie A campaign, even chipping in with two vital goals. He is a proper unit. He is 1.92 metres tall. The towering centre-half commands his penalty box with real authority and handles physical forwards without breaking a sweat.

Leeds United are stepping up their pursuit of Sassuolo's Tarik Muharemovic, with the English side confident of significant progress in negotiations next week.
Leeds have made strengthening the heart of their defence a priority following Pascal Struijk's departure, and Muharemovic has emerged as one of the club's leading targets.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Leeds had entered the race for the 23-year-old.
However, Leeds appear determined to win the battle for the Bosnia international's signature.
Romano has now revealed that the Whites have already presented the defender with a verbal contract proposal and are pushing hard to finalise an agreement.

Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic remains a Premier League target, with Newcastle United, Sunderland, Leeds United and Bournemouth focus on the €40m player, as Juventus still wait.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and in Serie A for the Neroverdi, so is widely expected to move on this summer.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The asking price has been set at €40m, though Juventus would be able to get him for half that figure.
This is because he was in their youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for €2m, retaining a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his team felt a "sense of injustice" over United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban being suspended by Fifa shortly before their World Cup last-16 match.
Balogun, 25, appeared certain to miss the tie in Seattle after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.
But on Sunday Fifa suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, leading to widespread criticism, with Uefa, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those speaking out against the ruling.
On Monday US President Donald Trump said he asked Fifa to review Balogun's ban, which he said would have left a "big stain" on the tournament.
But, despite the American's star striker being cleared to play and starting the match, Belgium convincingly beat the tournament co-hosts 4-1.

Washington — President Trump said he saw the World Cup play that led to U.S. Men's National Team soccer star Folarin Balogun's one-game red card suspension, and then spoke to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review.
The U.S. team's striker was given a red card during the team's Wednesday match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, eliminating him from the next game. Balogun was penalized for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA reversed the one-match suspension, although that reversal is facing criticism and an appeal. The president told reporters in the Oval Office Monday that he "saw the play," and Balogun's move didn't constitute a foul or an infraction. Mr. Trump said he talked with Infantino about the incident.
"I'm a person that loves sports and was a good athlete," he said. "And I understand sports really well. Really well. And that wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other. You can't take your foot and properly place it on somebody else's foot when you're going — no, these were two great athletes that got tangled up."
"And this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his, if you check his past," the president said. "I don't want to say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect. If you like, I'll provide you with the past. He made a call that ****** ody could believe. Even people on the other side, they said 'We got lucky.'"

Editor's note: Follow for USA-Belgium World Cup live updates!
SEATTLE — The FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained its decision to allow United States star Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup round of 16 despite earning a red card that would have resulted in a suspension, determining it did not bend rules over the controversy while noting the striker will have to pay a fine.
The explanation came less than four hours before USMNT and Belgium are set to play for a spot in the quarterfinals.
FIFA's committee said it opened disciplinary proceedings on Balogun one day after he earned a red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina when he stepped on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. It decided he did violate FIFA codes related to suspension of red card, as well as for entering the field of play with teammates after the match. As a result, Balogun was suspended and imposed a $40,000 fine.
While it should have meant Balogun sits out against Belgium, the committee said it applied Article 27 of its disciplinary code, "under which it has discretion to suspend the implementation of any disciplinary measures, and ordered that the implementation of the one-match suspension be suspended for a probationary period of one year."

Superstar U.S. men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun has been on a magical World Cup run for the team, scoring three goals and tying Landon Donovan for the second-most goals by an American in a single World Cup tournament.
Now, his status for the upcoming round of 16 matchup against Belgium has become a heated international incident, raising questions about whether FIFA’s rules are applied equally across nations.
Team USA is listed at -122 on FanDuel to advance to the next round and win versus Belgium on Monday night. Our complete FanDuel Sportsbook review provides a useful guide on how to navigate through their platform.
Balogun was due to serve a one-game ban after being sent off in the 64th minute of the U.S. Men’s team’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, after a video review deemed his challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic a bad one. The red card itself was met with dislike from Balogun, noting the challenge was involuntary as the two players battled for the ball.
“If you played the game, you would understand there are scenarios that you simply can’t avoid, and it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” Balogun said.

President Donald Trump seized the opportunity to take a jab at Joe Biden while discussing his involvement in FIFA's choice to allow U.S. Men's National Team star Folarin Balogun to compete in the World Cup Round of 16.
FIFA authorities opted on Sunday to suspend Balogun's red-card ban stemming from his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic during the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32. Trump - who admitted he wasn't familiar with what a red card meant - played a crucial role in the governing body's about-face, having collaborated with commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and White House task force leader Andrew Giuliani to put together a legal team contesting the sanction.
Trump subsequently contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino directly, informing him that an appeal had been filed while expressing his opposition to the red card, via The Mirror US.
Australian soccer fans' anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy

President Trump’s intervention to lift the red card ban on U.S. Men’s National Team soccer player Folarin Balogun is breaking the integrity of the World Cup tournament.
Now, the French national team has appealed to FIFA, the soccer governing body, to rescind Michael Olise’s yellow card, which he received during the match with Paraguay on Saturday. Olise was penalized for a tackle for contact with Paraguyan Matias Galarza’s face, but replays showed Olise only held Galarza’s shirt.
A yellow card doesn’t directly translate into a suspension like a red card, but France evidently feels that overturning Balogun’s suspension has opened the door. It follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also intervening with FIFA to prevent moving up the start time for England’s match against Mexico over weather concerns, with England believing that they wouldn’t have enough time to train for high-altitude conditions at Mexico’s national stadium, Estadio Azeteca.
FIFA, meanwhile, denied an appeal from Belgium Monday challenging the decision to lift Balogun’s red card.
The red card came after Balogun awkwardly stepped on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović’s ankle during the match on Wednesday. Hours after the game ended, Trump called up FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain about the decision, and on Sunday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced it was overturning Balogun’s suspension, leaving him free to join the U.S.-Belgium game Monday.

Call it “Balogun-Gate.”
The debate over whether Folarin Balogun’s suspension should have been overturned is generating some of the wildest sports media hot takes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the young U.S. men’s national team star now set to take the pitch tonight against Belgium in the critical Round of 16 match, media fulminations over his last-minute reprieve are shattering brick and concrete.
It started with President Donald Trump’s involvement in getting FIFA to review the one-game suspension against the U.S. striker for fouling Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Team USA’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory.
Yes, it appears that Trump is strong-arming FIFA. True, that red card was a dubious call against Team USA’s best player. But our polarizing president is reviled in much of the media. The thought of Trump clumsily intervening in the beautiful game drove some from the soccer establishment into a pearl-clutching frenzy on Monday.

Washington — President Trump said he saw the World Cup play that led to U.S. Men's National Team soccer star Folarin Balogun's one-game red card suspension, and then spoke to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review.
The U.S. team's striker was given a red card during the team's Wednesday match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, eliminating him from the next game. Balogun was penalized for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA reversed the one-match suspension, although that reversal is facing criticism and an appeal. The president told reporters in the Oval Office Monday that he "saw the play," and Balogun's move didn't constitute a foul or an infraction. Mr. Trump said he talked with Infantino about the incident.
"I'm a person that loves sports and was a good athlete," he said. "And I understand sports really well. Really well. And that wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other. You can't take your foot and properly place it on somebody else's foot when you're going — no, these were two great athletes that got tangled up."
"And this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his, if you check his past," the president said. "I don't want to say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect. If you like, I'll provide you with the past. He made a call that ******* ody could believe. Even people on the other side, they said 'We got lucky.'"

President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup.
Trump says football's world governing body "made the right decision" to suspend Balogun's ban, adding it would have left a "big stain" on the tournament had it been implemented.
Balogun, 25, was set to be suspended for his side's last-16 tie against Belgium on Tuesday after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.
But on Sunday, Fifa made the shock decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, freeing the way for the United States forward - who has scored three goals at this summer's tournament - to be selected for the match in Seattle.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked Fifa to review the decision because he "didn't think it was a foul".

President Donald Trump has called the World Cup referee who sent off U.S. striker Folarin Balogun in last week’s match against Bosnia-Herzegovina “very suspect” as the uproar over the player’s suspended red card continues.
Speaking at the White House Monday morning ahead of the U.S.’s last 16 clash with Belgium, the president said of Balogun’s dismissal: “I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports... That wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction.
“This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that **** ody could believe. He’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn’t know what that meant... Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”
Later in his remarks, the president added: “I didn’t know what the **** a red card was. When I found out, I said, ‘You gotta be kidding!’”
The president’s attack on Brazilian official Raphael Claus, who oversaw last week’s 2-0 win for the U.S. over Bosnia in San Francisco and sent off Balogun for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute, came after FIFA moved Sunday to suspend the striker’s one-match ban.

(Christophe Ena/AP photo)
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was roasted on social media Monday after he took to X to ridicule FIFA for clearing USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card ban and accusing the organization of allowing politics to influence the World Cup.
Blatter’s broadside comes as FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces some backlash after the soccer World Cup’s ruling body announced Sunday that Balogun’s suspension would be deferred under a one-year probationary period rather than immediately enforced, allowing the key U.S. player to remain available for Monday night’s clash against Belgium.
The reported move came after Trump asked Infantino to revisit the decision, according to a source briefed on the call.
Balogun was sent off after a VAR review in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina when officials ruled he had planted his foot into defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino argued the challenge never warranted a red card.

Folarin Balogun never, ever should have been given a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 64th-minute red card given to the USA’s star player was an utter joke, and everyone knows it. A situation that started with a bad call on the pitch turned into something entirely different as FIFA president Gianni Infantino proved, once more, what a ******* less leader he is by allowing the World Cup to be blatantly interfered with by U.S. President Donald Trump.
We’re left with one of the most staggering, shameful, corrupt situations playing out in broad daylight — and it’s effectively tainted the entire World Cup as a result. It’s a case where the ends don’t justify the means, and even though the correct decision was reached, how that decision was reached is worthy of global condemnation.
If you somehow haven’t seen the initial red card, here’s the play in question which kicked this all off.
If we break this moment down into its parts there’s simply no understanding how any professional referee would see this as a red. Balogun has his hands on defender Tarik Muharemović, but his eyes are locked on the ball. There’s no way to really intuit that Muharemović was going to slow down, which initiated the contact, and Balogun’s right leg only goes behind the defender because he’s trying to play the ball.
You can watch every single game at the World Cup and see 20 incidents like this in a game. A foul is going to be called the vast majority of the time, and it’s certainly justifiable to give Balogun a yellow card as a warning to be in control of his play. The idea that this warranted a red card, typically reserved for a clearly dangerous or reckless play is simply laughable. The idea that the decision was rendered by VAR made it even worse, because now we had a room of people making the same idiotic decision. Fans had a right to be mad, commentators had a right to criticize, and the USMNT should have had the right to appeal the card, considering it resulted in Balogun being suspended in the quarter-finals.

Gary Neville has criticised Fifa's unprecedented decision to suspend USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban which would have forced him to miss their last-16 clash against Belgium, with the ITV pundit saying "it absolutely stinks".
Balogun was sent off during USA's last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, when he appeared to accidentally make contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic.
On Sunday, Fifa's disciplinary committee announced that it was applying article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code to suspend the red card, meaning Balogun will only serve his one-game ban if he commits another similar offence in the next 12 months.
Donald Trump hailed the news, writing on his Truth Social platform: "Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
But Belgium's FA said it was "astonished" and would be "investigating all potential options" in response.

Folarin Balogun is available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after his one-game ban was suspended by Fifa.
The 25-year-old striker was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0.
Fifa said the automatic one-match ban will be suspended for a year.
The Royal Belgian Football **** ociation (RBFA) said it is "astonished" by Fifa's decision and is "investigating all potential options" in response.
"In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," world governing body Fifa said in a statement.

The World Cup was plunged into uproar on Sunday after FIFA suspended a red card given to United States star Folarin Balogun ahead of the host nation's clash with Belgium, in a bombshell move welcomed by President Donald Trump but slammed as "astonishing" by Belgian officials.
The extraordinary FIFA ruling means that Balogun is now free to play for the World Cup co-hosts on Monday when they face Belgium in Seattle with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The forward, who has scored three goals at this World Cup, had been set to miss the match after being sent off for inadvertently treading on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic in the USA's 2-0 victory in the last 32 on Wednesday.
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban, which cannot be appealed by the player's team.
United States Soccer Federation officials had not attempted to challenge the sanction, and Balogun himself had accepted the punishment.