USA forward Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in his side’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed following his red card.
Balogun was initially ruled out of Monday’s knockout fixture after being sent off during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The Nigerian-born striker received a straight red card for stepping on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FIFA announced that the implementation of Balogun’s one-match suspension had been deferred for a probationary period of one year.
“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,” the world football governing body said.
The ruling makes Balogun available for selection against Belgium, handing the United States a significant boost ahead of the knockout encounter. The forward has been one of the team’s standout performers during the tournament.
US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing it as the correction of an injustice.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The incident had also sparked political interest in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously urging FIFA to overturn the red card.
Balogun’s availability is expected to bolster the United States’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals when they take on Belgium on Monday.
