United States President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for the Americans’ FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had been ruled out of Monday’s fixture after receiving a straight red card during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the Round of 32. The dismissal, issued following a VAR review, came after the forward was adjudged to have stepped on the foot of a Bosnian defender.
Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically carries a one-match suspension that is ordinarily not subject to appeal. However, in a surprise decision announced on Sunday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the implementation of the ban for a one-year probationary period.
Reacting to the development, President Trump praised the decision on his Truth Social platform.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote.
FIFA said the suspension was granted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, warning that if Balogun commits a similar offence within the next year, the original suspension would automatically take effect in addition to any new sanction.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which described the move as “astonishing” and claimed it contradicts FIFA’s own World Cup regulations. The Belgian federation said it is considering all available legal options to protect the integrity of the competition.
Balogun has been instrumental in the United States’ World Cup campaign, scoring three goals, including a brace in the team’s opening victory over Paraguay.
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously argued that the striker should never have been sent off, insisting the incident occurred while Balogun was genuinely contesting for the ball and that there was no malicious intent.
Before FIFA’s reversal, Balogun had accepted the suspension, saying he was prepared to support his teammates from the stands.
The decision also followed calls from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who publicly urged FIFA to rescind the red card.
United States captain Christian Pulisic welcomed the ruling, saying Balogun’s availability provides a significant boost ahead of the knockout encounter against Belgium.
The U.S. Soccer Federation also expressed satisfaction with FIFA’s ruling, stating that its focus is now fully on securing a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
