Folarin Balogun will be allowed to play for the US men’s soccer team in its World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday after FIFA suspended a one-game ban on the striker.
Balogun, a star striker who has scored three goals so far in this year’s tournament, received a red card and was ejected from last week’s US game against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul against a defender. A red card is automatically accompanied by a one-game suspension.
FIFA said in a statement that its Disciplinary Committee suspended the automatic one-game ban and that Balogun will instead be on probation for one year.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it is “astonished” by the decision in a statement on its website.
“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 RBFA wrote in its statement.
President Donald Trump quickly hailed the move. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” he posted on social media. Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension, the New York Times reported Sunday, citing three people familiar with the conversation.
“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 US soccer team said in a statement.
This isn’t the first time FIFA has reversed a player’s suspension from games. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo avoided a suspension for the start of this year’s tournament after a foul during a World Cup qualifier match.
