SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, clearing the U.S. forward to play Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday in Seattle.
FIFA said the sanction would be enforced if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probation period. The governing body cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code for the decision.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ruling removes a possible lineup problem for the United States before its knockout match against Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and said it viewed the move as contrary to the rules. U.S. Soccer said it accepted the ruling and was “pleased” with the outcome.
Reports citing unnamed people familiar with the conversation said Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s red card. The reports did not include a public confirmation of the call from Trump, Infantino or FIFA.
