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Time:2026-07-06T19:25:19Z

President Trump intervened with FIFA over US soccer star Folarin Balogun's controversial red card suspension, prompting FIFA to lift the ban and dismiss Belgium's appeal. Meanwhile, a devastating earthquake in Venezuela has left residents to recover bodies as rescue efforts wind down. Iran holds massive funeral processions for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war, as the country's leadership succession unfolds. Russia launched deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukraine killing at least 22, while Ukrainian drones struck a Russian oil terminal in St Petersburg.

Trump confirms FIFA intervention over Balogun ban

Trump confirms FIFA intervention over Balogun banPresident Trump has provided the most detailed account yet of his call with FIFA regarding the suspension of US soccer player Folarin Balogun. Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to review Balogun's red card ban, sparking controversy over the involvement of a head of state in a sports disciplinary matter. Media outlets including CNN, Al Jazeera, and the BBC have covered the story extensively, with some questioning FIFA's independence. The NYT reports that even US soccer fans are divided on the appropriateness of Trump's intervention.

Sources:
The president offered the most detailed account yet of his intervention with FIFA after the suspension of a US player (CNN)
Why FIFA’s Balogun red card suspension after Trump call is so controversial (Al Jazeera)
Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban (BBC)
Trump Defends Asking FIFA to Review U.S. Soccer Star’s Ban (NYT)
‘Excited but Shocked’: U.S. Soccer Fans Struggle With Trump’s FIFA Call (NYT)

FIFA lifts Balogun ban, dismisses Belgium appeal

FIFA lifts Balogun ban, dismisses Belgium appealFIFA has officially lifted Folarin Balogun's suspension, allowing the US striker to play against Belgium. The decision came after FIFA dismissed Belgium's appeal over the ruling, citing eligibility rules that permitted Balogun to represent the United States. Al Jazeera placed the decision in historical context, comparing it to FIFA's controversial World Cup rulings involving figures like Garrincha and Pinochet. NPR confirmed the ban lift clears the way for Balogun to face Belgium in upcoming matches.

Sources:
The rules FIFA used to allow Folarin Balogun to play for the USA (CNN)
Balogun, Garrincha and Pinochet: FIFA’s controversial World Cup decisions (Al Jazeera)
Folarin Balogun's ban is lifted by FIFA, allowing U.S. striker to play Belgium (NPR)
FIFA Dismisses Belgium’s Appeal Over Balogun Decision (NYT)

Venezuela earthquake rescue efforts wind down

Venezuela earthquake rescue efforts wind downRescue operations in Venezuela are winding down following a devastating earthquake, leaving residents to recover bodies from devastated areas on their own. Venezuelan doctors have returned home from abroad to provide aid to affected communities. AP News reports that the grim task of recovering the dead has fallen largely on local families and volunteers, as official rescue efforts conclude. The scale of the destruction has overwhelmed local resources, prompting an outpouring of support from Venezuelan diaspora medical professionals.

Sources:
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead (AP News)
Venezuelan doctors return home to give aid (CBC)
Venezuelans face grim and daunting task of recovering bodies from devastated areas (CBC)

Massive funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei

Massive funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader KhameneiIran has begun dayslong funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the war, with massive crowds of mourners thronging a funeral procession in Tehran. Khamenei's other sons appeared at the funeral, while the new supreme leader remains in hiding for security reasons. AP News reports that Iran has also reappointed a familiar figure to a powerful post during the funeral period. The transition of power is unfolding amid heightened regional tensions and internal security concerns.

Sources:
Mourners throng funeral procession in Tehran for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP News)
Khamenei’s other sons appear at his funeral in Iran as new supreme leader remains in hiding (AP News)
Iran begins dayslong funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in war (AP News)
Iran reappoints a familiar face to powerful post during Khamenei funeral (Al Jazeera)
Huge crowds of mourners join a funeral procession for Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (NPR)

Russia strikes Ukraine as drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal

Russia strikes Ukraine as drones hit St Petersburg oil terminalRussia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least 22 people, with the Kyiv region suffering the heaviest casualties at 23 dead. Ukraine has warned it is facing a shortage of interceptor missiles to counter the sustained Russian aerial assaults. In a retaliatory strike, Ukrainian drones successfully hit an oil terminal in St Petersburg, one of the longest-range attacks yet on Russian soil. The escalation marks a significant intensification of the conflict on both sides.

Sources:
Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine kill at least 22 (AP News)
Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg oil terminal in latest long-range attack on Russia (AP News)
Ukraine warns of interceptor missile shortage as 23 killed in Kyiv region (BBC)
Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital kills at least 12 (NPR)