Shocked Belgium has vowed to “defend football” after FIFA’s controversial decision to let Folarin Balogun play in the pivotal Round of 16 match
FIFA has suspended a one-match ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the World Cup Round of 16 against Belgium after President Donald Trump reportedly asked the governing body’s chief to review the case.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the US team’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. Under World Cup rules, the red card carried an automatic one-match suspension, which would have ruled the New York-born forward out of Monday’s knockout clash at Seattle Stadium.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the implementation of the automatic suspension had been suspended for a probationary period of one year under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The decision means Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, will be available as the US seeks its first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002.
The New York Times reported that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension, citing people familiar with the conversation. The White House has not publicly confirmed the call, but referred reporters to Trump’s celebratory post on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on Sunday.
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