FIFA Rescinds Balogun's Ban Ahead of US Clash With Belgium
FIFA has overturned Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension, clearing the US striker to play against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 after intervention reportedly involving the White House.
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FIFA has rescinded the one-match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in Monday's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The decision follows a review by FIFA's disciplinary committee, which acted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, according to The Whistler. The provision allows the committee to rescind sanctions in exceptional circumstances.
Balogun received a red card in the US team's final group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which initially ruled him out of the knockout fixture. However, the decision was reversed ahead of the Belgium clash.
The White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card, a person familiar with the matter told Vanguard News. The intervention preceded FIFA’s announcement.
Former US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision to lift the ban, according to Legit.ng. “Trump welcomed FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's World Cup ban,” the outlet reported, noting his public endorsement of the reversal.
The United States Soccer Federation did not immediately comment. FIFA has not issued an official public statement beyond the disciplinary committee’s ruling.