FIFA Suspends Balogun Red Card, Clears U.S. Striker to Face Belgium

SEATTLE, WA — FIFA has suspended the automatic match ban stemming from U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, making him eligible to play in the their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday.

In a statement posted on its website, FIFA said, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."

U.S. Soccer said it accepted the ruling and welcomed Balogun's availability.

"We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow," the federation said in a statement. "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 United States will seek its first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002 when it faces Belgium at 7 p.m. Monday in Seattle.

Balogun scored the opening goal in the 45th minute of the Americans' 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 before being sent off in the 64th minute for what officials ruled was a dangerous challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Balogun appeared to accidentally step on the ankle of the defender as they jockeyed for position to bring down the ball. The defender’s ankle bent badly, but a red card was widely considered an extremely harsh decision by the referee.

The U.S. was forced to play the rest of the match down a man, and they then faced the prospect of losing their leading goal-scorer for the next match. Balogun has scored three times this World Cup.

President Donald Trump also commented on the decision, writing on Truth Social: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"