USA forward Folarin Balogun will be available for his side’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban resulting from his red card.
Balogun had been set to miss Monday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last-32.
The Nigerian-US striker was dismissed for stepping on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement on Sunday, FIFA said the implementation of Balogun’s match suspension had been deferred for a probationary period of one year.
“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” the governing body said.
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The decision means Balogun is eligible to feature against Belgium in a major boost for the United States, with the forward having played a key role in the team’s progress at the tournament.
US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing the suspension of the ban as the correction of an injustice.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The incident had also drawn political attention in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously calling on FIFA to rescind the red card.
Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the USA’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals when they face Belgium on Monday.
