SEATTLE: FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic red card ban, clearing the United States striker to face Belgium in Monday’s World Cup last-16 match.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
Referee Raphael Claus issued the red card after a Video Assistant Referee review during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Santa Clara, California.
The decision had triggered an automatic one-match suspension, which FIFA later suspended for a one-year probationary period.
FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows a judicial body to suspend a disciplinary measure, in whole or in part.
The US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked FIFA to review the sending-off. Trump later thanked FIFA on Truth Social for what he called the reversal of “a great injustice.”
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said the punishment was unfair and welcomed Balogun’s availability.
Read: Balogun Red Card Criticised After US win 2-0
Balogun, who plays for AS Monaco, has scored three goals for the United States at the tournament.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” and argued that tournament rules required an automatic suspension after a red card.
The Union of European Football Associations said the decision “crossed a red line,” while former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said red cards should be reviewed by rules, evidence and independent bodies.
