President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino directly to request a review of the suspension for U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, the New York Times reported. Balogun had received a red card for a foul during the United States' victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which, under FIFA World Cup rules, would have led to a suspension for the subsequent match against Belgium.
FIFA announced on Sunday that it had suspended the suspension, allowing Balogun to participate in the Round of 16 match. The decision was based on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which permits judicial bodies to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure." This suspension of the sanction includes a probationary period of one to four years.
Following the news, Trump posted on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for "doing what was right and reversing a great injustice." FIFA stated that Balogun's suspension was suspended for a one-year probationary period, during which any similar infringement could result in the revocation of the suspension and enforcement of the original sanction, potentially with additional penalties.
The U.S. Men's National Team, aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, faces Belgium in Seattle. Balogun is the team's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals. The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision and stated it was investigating all potential options to safeguard fair play.