Former President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a red card suspension for U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. This intervention preceded FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban, making Balogun eligible for the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Balogun received the red card on July 1 during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina after a clash with an opponent's foot. The automatic one-game suspension was initially deemed final by FIFA, according to the governing body's previous statements. However, FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension would be placed on hold for a probationary period of one year.
According to the terms of the probationary period, if Balogun commits a similar offense within the next year, the original suspension will be enforced without prejudice to any new sanctions.
Trump's call to Infantino occurred last week. Following FIFA's decision, Trump posted on social media, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
U.S. Soccer released a statement Sunday, expressing that it accepted and was pleased with the disciplinary committee's decision. "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 statement read.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, stating in a release Sunday that the FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly mandates an automatic suspension for a red card offense. The RBFA indicated it is exploring all potential options to safeguard the rights of participating teams and uphold fair play principles.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously told reporters that Balogun was disappointed by the call, which he did not consider intentional, according to ESPN.
The U.S. is scheduled to play Belgium on Monday at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle.