Folarin Balogun: USA striker admits controversy over suspended ban at FIFA World Cup affected team-mates ahead of last-16 elimination against Belgium

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Folarin Balogun admitted he feared FIFA’s decision to suspend his FIFA World Cup ban would create unwanted pressure for his United States team-mates, saying he could sense "nerves" within the squad as the controversy surrounding his return intensified.

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The AS Monaco striker had been expected to miss the United States' last-16 tie at the World Cup after receiving a straight red card for serious foul play in the last-32 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Instead, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the one-match ban for a year, allowing Balogun to start against Belgium.

The decision triggered widespread criticism, particularly after it emerged that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the sanction.

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UEFA described the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable," while questions remained over the process behind the decision.

Balogun, who scored three goals during the tournament, said he quickly realised the wider implications.

”My initial reaction was that I was happy to be back in the team, but when I started to reflect, I knew it was going to start a lot of controversy and I could almost see within my team-mates a bit of nerves because it is something that is so unique," Balogun told CBS.

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”The closer we got to the game, I focused the best I could, but it was difficult. The outside noise is hard to avoid.”

For Balogun, the episode became a distraction at a crucial stage of the tournament, but one he believes the United States squad handled with professionalism and unity.

The 25-year-old, formerly of Arsenal, revealed that he discovered he was available for selection while travelling with the squad on the team bus, prompting an emotional response from his team-mates.

"When we found out on the team bus, everyone was screaming and shouting,” he added. "It was a pretty intense bus ride to the practice field.

”My team-mates are like my brothers, they gave me a lot of reassurance. There was nothing I could do or change.

”It was about separating the emotion from the job at hand. We are all professionals.”

Until FIFA's ruling was confirmed, Balogun had not been involved in tactical preparations for the Belgium match and had instead focused on supporting the group from the sidelines.

"It was confusing as the team was practising without me in the team," he continued. "I almost played a supporting role to keep the morale high."

Despite the surrounding attention, Balogun insisted the squad remained focused on the challenge ahead and did not allow the decision to overshadow their preparations.

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The United States were eventually beaten 4-1 by Belgium, but Balogun rejected suggestions that the suspension controversy had affected the team’s performance.

"Once we got over the initial announcement that I would be back in the team, it was not something that was too difficult to separate," he added.

”It was about separating the emotion from the job at hand. We are all professionals. It was a difficult game against Belgium and that can overshadow whether we are focused or not.

"From being inside the camp and set-up, I know we had full concentration going into the game."

The circumstances surrounding FIFA's ruling continue to attract scrutiny.

The head of FIFA's disciplinary committee declined to explain the reasoning behind the decision, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino has maintained that disciplinary matters are handled independently.

The case also drew comparisons with England defender Jarell Quansah, who received an additional one-match suspension after being sent off for serious foul play against Mexico - a punishment that contrasted with Balogun's reprieve.

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