SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, clearing the U.S. forward to play Belgium in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 in Seattle and drawing an angry response from the Belgian federation.
In a statement cited by FIFA, the disciplinary committee said it acted under Article 27 of its code, which allows a match suspension to be put on hold during a one-year probationary period. FIFA said the ban would be enforced if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during that time.
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 the outcome.
Multiple reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review of Balogun’s red card suspension.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the FIFA ruling makes him eligible for the next match against Belgium.
