FIFA makes unprecedented U-turn to clear Balogun for US v Belgium World Cup clash

MIAMI/SEATTLE, July 5 : United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium after FIFA suspended his ban for a red card on Sunday in an unprecedented move that was welcomed by U.S. president Donald Trump.

Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup in the 2-0 win over Bosnia but was shown a red card in the second half for planting his boot into the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic, leaving the U.S. to navigate the remainder of the game a man down.

The 25-year-old was sent off after a VAR review, with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino saying it was never a sending-off but FIFA is allowing him to play - without rescinding the red card.

"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," FIFA said in a statement.

"If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."

The judicial body has the discretion to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.

'A GREAT INJUSTICE'

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice," Trump wrote on Truth Social while the White House celebrated Balogun's reinstatement in the squad with a post on X saying: "USA-USA-USA."

U.S. Soccer accepted the decision.

"(We) are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow," it said in a statement ahead of Monday's game in Seattle.

Balogun's teammates said they only found out via social media on their way to training.

"We found out about it just coming over