By Samuel Olusegun Precious
US strikerFolarin Balogun will be available for the United States’ World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday, after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match ban. The U.S. striker was shown a straight red in the 2-0 win over Bosnia for stamping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle following a VAR review, despite having scored his 3rd goal of the tournament.
It was learnt that US President Donald Trump put immense pressure on FIFA President Giani Infantino to reverse the decision as a strongly worded statement was issued on his the Truth platform, though we could not independently verify whether he authorised the statement attributed to him.
FIFA’s RulingFIFA’s judicial body said: “… the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” “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.”
FIFA confirmed the body has discretion to fully or partially suspend disciplinary sanctions.
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the decision by FIFA hailing it as just:
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice,” he posted on Truth Social.
The U.S. Soccer Federation also hailed the ruling: “(We) are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.” Christian Pulisic:
“We found out about it just coming over here… At first, you’re like, ‘Oh really, is this real?’ And then ‘Oh, this is great news’.”
However, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia strongly criticised the decision: “I didn’t know that at the FIFA World Cup the fifth of July is now the first of April and it’s April Fool’s Day.”
The Royal Belgian Football Association also expressed its dismay and said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and was “investigating all potential options.”
“We are not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football with its ethics and integrity,” Garcia added.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had earlier said the red card was never deserved.
FIFA had previously suspended part of a ban for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022, allowing him to play Portugal’s opening World Cup games.
