SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA’s disciplinary committee has suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban on a one-year probationary basis, clearing the U.S. forward to play Belgium in Monday’s World Cup round of 16.
FIFA said the move was made under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The governing body warned that if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be enforced.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by the decision and said it viewed the ruling as contrary to FIFA’s rules. U.S. Soccer said it accepted the decision and was pleased with it.
Reports citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s red card suspension. Those reports gave different timelines for the call.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is now eligible for the match against Belgium in Seattle.
