FIFA has cleared United States striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun has scored three goals in this year’s tournament. The referee sent him off last week for a foul on a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender. A red card usually brings an automatic one-match ban.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the ban. Instead, it placed the striker on probation for one year. The ruling makes him available for the knockout game.
President Donald Trump welcomed the decision. He wrote on social media: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The US men’s national team also praised the ruling.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. 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,” the team said in a statement.
The decision gives the United States a major boost before the crucial tie. Balogun has been one of the team’s top performers at the tournament.
FIFA has made similar decisions before. Earlier this year, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo escaped a suspension at the start of the World Cup after a foul during a World Cup qualifier.






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