FIFA has cleared Folarin Balogun to play for the United States against Belgium in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup last-16 match. The governing body suspended his automatic one-match ban, dismissed Belgium’s appeal, and prompted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to respond after Donald Trump claimed he asked for a review.

Balogun received a red card during the USA’s 2-0 last-32 win over the co-hosts for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. A red card normally carries an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that it had suspended the ban for one year. The Monaco striker, who has scored three goals at the tournament, is now available for the Belgium clash.

Trump explains his intervention

Trump confirmed that he contacted Infantino after disagreeing with the referee’s decision.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” he said.

He added: “If they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe among the best players on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain and I relayed just that feeling.”

Trump also insisted, “I didn’t tell them what to do. I can’t tell them what to do.”

Infantino defends FIFA process

Infantino said: “During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.”

He also stressed that “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent” and that they “operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them.”

Belgium’s appeal rejected

The Royal Belgian Football Association challenged Balogun’s eligibility after saying it had not received an explanation for FIFA’s decision. FIFA rejected the appeal.

“The request was rendered inadmissible because the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision,” FIFA said.

The Belgian federation said it had informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests Balogun’s eligibility. It added that it was leaving “all further actions open.”

UEFA also criticised FIFA’s decision. It said: “Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.”