US President Donald Trump has thanked FIFA after football’s governing body suspended the red card shown to USA forward Folarin Balogun, clearing the way for him to feature in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 tie against Belgium.
Balogun had been set to miss the match after receiving a straight red card in the last 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 3 July, sent off following a VAR review for stepping on the foot of defender Tarik Muharemovic during the USA’s 2-0 victory. FIFA confirmed on 5 July that the suspension would be lifted, with the ban instead held over for a probationary period.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
FIFA explained the decision in a statement, citing the relevant disciplinary provision. “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 read.
Balogun has been central to the USA’s run to the last 16, and his unavailability against Belgium would have been a significant blow to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also publicly called for the red card to be overturned in the aftermath of the sending off.
The decision has not been well received in Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was stunned by the ruling and confirmed it was exploring its options in response. “The Royal Belgian Football Association is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday,” the association said in a statement, adding that it was “investigating all potential options.”
USA face Belgium in Seattle on 7 July, with a place in the World Cup quarter finals at stake.
