SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, making the U.S. forward eligible for Monday’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium in Seattle.
The FIFA disciplinary committee said the punishment was put on hold under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. FIFA said that if Balogun commits another offense of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be enforced.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ruling removes a potential absence for the U.S. as it prepares for Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and said it saw the move as contrary to FIFA’s rules. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called the decision “a bit of a surprise.”
U.S. Soccer said it accepted the decision and was pleased with FIFA’s ruling.
Multiple 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. Those reports gave different dates for the call.