Folarin Balogun will play for the United States in Monday's World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after Fifa suspended his one-game ban, a decision that prompted a personal thank you from Donald Trump. The US president wrote on Truth Social: "Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
The 25-year-old striker was shown a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the co-hosts' 2-0 win in the last 32. The automatic one-match suspension would have ruled him out of the clash with Belgium, a huge blow for a team aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has scored three goals in three starts and without him coach Mauricio Pochettino was scrambling for other options.
“Fifa suspends Balogun's ban after Trump thanks them; striker available for USA vs Belgium last-16.”
Fifa's disciplinary committee imposed a one-match suspension for breaches of articles 14 and 66 of its disciplinary code but then, "in line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code", suspended the implementation for a probationary period of one year. If Balogun commits "another infringement of a similar nature and gravity" during that year, the ban will be enforced. Fifa previously used the same article to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to start Portugal's opening game after his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" by the decision. It pointed out that all previous red cards at this World Cup resulted in automatic suspensions and that Fifa's move is in "direct contradiction" of competition regulations. The RBFA added it is "investigating all potential options" to safeguard fair play.
US players learned of the suspension reversal on the bus to training. Defender Chris Richards said: "Some guys are playing Clash Royale, some guys were just in the back listening music … we heard all the reports. My family probably sent me eight tweets … we found out through social media." Christian Pulisic said Balogun was "super happy" with "a big smile on his face". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had demanded a review, saying the team "got screwed with that red card" and that there needs to be an appeal process.
Balogun's availability gives the US a major boost as they prepare to face Belgium, who beat Senegal 3-2 in their last-16 match.