FIFA suspended two key members of the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup match against Belgium, according to multiple reports. ESPN cited sources as saying team manager Sam Zapatka and Vice President of Security Frank Pannell were barred from attending the game.
The U.S. team was defeated 4-1 by Belgium, ending its run in the tournament. FIFA did not specify the reasons for the suspensions but indicated they were related to incidents during the team’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 last week, involving alleged violations of match protocols and individuals entering restricted areas. There were no reports of physical altercations.
Zapatka, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2015 and became team administrative manager in 2020, was among those suspended. U.S. Soccer emphasized Tuesday that the suspensions were not connected to the ongoing appeal over star striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension. FIFA upheld its decision allowing Balogun to play in the match after Belgium challenged the ruling.
Former President Donald Trump commented on the controversial red card, telling reporters at the White House that he had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the play, which he believed was not a foul. Belgium will advance to the quarterfinals to face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
