Two U.S. Soccer officials were reportedly suspended by FIFA ahead of the USMNT‘s game against Belgium. Team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer vice president of security Frank Pannell were reportedly suspended ahead of that game, per Front Office Sports.
It’s unclear what led to those suspensions. A spokesperson from U.S. Soccer directed all inquiries from Front Office Sports to FIFA, which declined comment. The U.S. Soccer spokesperson did, however, acknowledge the suspensions.
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The suspensions could be tied to the Folarin Balogun situation, though there’s no indication that’s why Zapatka and Pannell were suspended.
The team found itself embroiled in controversy after Balogun was given a red card during the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Days later, FIFA reversed his one-game ban, enabling Balogun to play against Belgium.
Despite protests from the Belgian football federation — and an appeal — Balogun was allowed to take the pitch Tuesday. He was in the starting lineup for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
The USMNT went on to lose the contest 4-1.
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Ahead of Monday’s contest, FIFA also released a 13-point statement from its disciplinary committee announcing punishments for Balogun and U.S. Soccer after Balogun was seen celebrating on the field following the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since Balogun was given a red card earlier in the match, that was a violation of FIFA rules. Both Balogun and U.S. Soccer were fined by the committee.
It’s unclear whether Zapatka and Pannell were suspended for an issue related to Balogun returning to the field following his red card vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina or the subsequent fine issued by the FIFA disciplinary committee.
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Zapatka and Pannell appear to be the only team officials suspended by FIFA during the 2026 World Cup, per Front Office Sports.
Zapatka has been with U.S. Soccer for 11 years, working his way up from a national teams coordinator to a team manager.
Pannell reportedly worked for the Secret Service and CIA before a career in private security, per Front Office Sports.
