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WORLD football governing body FIFA has reportedly suspended two senior U.S. Soccer officials ahead of the United States men’s national team’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
The affected officials are team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Vice President of Security Frank Pannell.
According to Front Office Sports, cited by Yahoo Sports, the suspensions were imposed before Tuesday’s match, although FIFA has not disclosed the reasons behind the disciplinary action.
A spokesperson for U.S. Soccer confirmed the suspensions but referred all enquiries to FIFA, which declined to comment on the matter.
The suspensions came amid controversy surrounding U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun received a red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.
However, FIFA later suspended his automatic one-match ban, allowing him to feature against Belgium despite objections from the Belgian Football Federation.
Belgium appealed FIFA’s decision but the appeal was rejected, clearing Balogun to start Tuesday’s quarter-final clash.
The United States, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, were eventually beaten 4-1, ending their World Cup campaign.
Before the match, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee issued a 13-point statement announcing sanctions against both Balogun and U.S. Soccer.
The committee fined the player and the federation after Balogun returned to the pitch to celebrate with teammates following his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina, an action deemed to have breached FIFA regulations.
It remains unclear whether the suspensions of Zapatka and Pannell were connected to the Balogun incident or any other disciplinary matter.
According to Front Office Sports, they are the only team officials suspended by FIFA during the ongoing tournament.
Zapatka has served U.S. Soccer for 11 years, rising from national teams coordinator to team manager.
Pannell previously worked with the U.S. Secret Service and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before joining private security and later U.S. Soccer.(Yahoo sports by Chris cwik)
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