Trump Applauds FIFA U-turn As Folarin Balogun Cleared To Face Belgium

US President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match World Cup ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in the last 16 after direct intervention from the White House.

Balogun had been ruled out after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA announced that the automatic suspension had been suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.

The decision followed a phone call between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday, according to CBS News via the BBC. Sources said the pair discussed Balogun’s case, with Infantino telling the US president that FIFA’s disciplinary committee would review the sanction.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup task force, and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were also reported to have held discussions with FIFA over the matter.

Trump celebrated the outcome on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Balogun, the USA’s leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, is now available for The knockout clash against Belgium.

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.

“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.”

USA captain Christian Pulisic said the squad received the news while travelling to training.

“Just a big smile on his face and all of ours. The foul wasn’t what it was, it was harsh,” Pulisic said.

The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted angrily to FIFA’s decision, saying it was “astonished” and was considering all possible responses.

“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the federation said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier criticised the original decision, saying: “It was great. They got screwed with that red card.

“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that.”

Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus upgraded the offence to a red card after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.

The former Arsenal striker has been one of Mauricio Pochettino’s key players at the tournament, scoring three goals to help the USA reach the knockout stage.