FIFA has suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to participate in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. This decision came after Balogun received a red card for stepping on Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic during their previous match, drawing a one-game suspension that normally cannot be appealed. Reports suggest the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card, though specific details of the call were not immediately available. Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA on Truth Social, stating they had "reversed a great injustice!"
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which permits the full or partial suspension of a disciplinary sanction. Balogun will now serve a one-year probationary period; if he commits another similar infraction during this time, the suspension will be reinstated along with any new penalties. US Soccer welcomed the decision, expressing pleasure that Balogun would be available for the crucial knockout game. Balogun, 25, has been a key player for the US, scoring three goals in four matches during the tournament and believing a yellow card would have been a fairer punishment for the initial incident.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, noting that it contradicts FIFA statutes on automatic one-game bans for red cards and stated they were exploring all potential options. This move provides a significant boost for the US team, aiming for their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002. Players learned of Balogun's eligibility via social media and later official confirmation. A similar measure under Article 27 previously allowed Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to play after receiving a three-match ban for an elbow infraction.
