United States President Donald Trump has praised FIFA after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, making the striker available for the USA’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.
The surprise decision means Balogun can feature in Monday’s knockout tie after initially being suspended following his red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA announced that the suspension would be put on hold for a one-year probationary period but did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
Trump, US Soccer react
Reacting to the development, Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision on his Truth Social platform.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
US Soccer also expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.”
The federation added:
“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Balogun has scored three goals at the tournament, including two in the opening victory over Paraguay, and is expected to lead the American attack against Belgium.
FIFA suspends punishment
Balogun received a straight red card after a VAR review for stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during the previous round.
Although FIFA regulations normally impose an automatic one-match suspension for a straight red card, the disciplinary committee opted to suspend the sanction under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.
FIFA said:
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”
The statement added:
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino had earlier insisted Balogun should not have been sent off, arguing the striker had simply been contesting for the ball.
