FIFA suspends two US officials during the World Cup; understand

The International Football Federation (FIFA) suspended two members of the United States men's national team committee before the match against Belgium, valid for the round of 16 of the World Cup, played on Monday (6).

According to several international press outlets, the national team manager, Sam Zapatka, and the vice president of security for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Frank Pannell, were prevented from participating in the match.

The punishment was communicated by FIFA even before the game, without the entity officially informing the reason for the decision.

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The USSF also did not explain the reason for the suspensions, but stated that the case has no relation to the federation's actions in the process that postponed the fulfillment of the suspension of striker Folarin Balogun after his expulsion.

According to ESPN, Zapatka and Pannell were sanctioned for violating FIFA match protocols, as well as allowing people to access restricted areas that they should not enter. According to the broadcaster, there was no physical confrontation related to the episode.

Balogun started in the United States' 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.

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Front Office Sports reported that the origin of the punishment for the two managers may be linked to the episode that occurred on July 1, when Balogun returned to the pitch to celebrate the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia, in Santa Clara, California.

In that match, the striker received a red card for a harsh tackle in the second half. According to the rules, expelled players cannot return to the field during or after the end of the game in which they received the card.

According to several press outlets, Sam Zapatka has been a member of the United States Soccer Federation since 2015 and has held the position of national team manager since 2020.

Frank Pannell, according to a report published in April by the university newspaper The Setonian, from Seton Hall University, previously worked in the United States Secret Service, the CIA and also in the private sector.

World Cup: FIFA clarifies decision that annuls Balogun's suspension | CNN PRIME TIME

Source: CNN