Balogun cleared for Belgium clash as FIFA decision draws political scrutiny

Folarin Balogun can play for the United States against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-game ban tied to his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ruling gives the US back a key forward for the last-16 match in Seattle.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee cited Article 27 of its code and placed Balogun on a one-year probationary period, meaning the punishment could still take effect if he commits a similar offence during that window. The red card came after a VAR review of an incident involving Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.

The decision has become controversial beyond the pitch. The source reports, citing unnamed sources, that President Donald Trump made calls to FIFA seeking the lifting of the ban; Trump also publicly thanked FIFA after the decision. Because the lobbying claim depends on anonymous sourcing, it should be treated as requiring further verification.

Belgium’s federation said it was surprised by the decision and questioned how it fits with rules around automatic suspensions for red cards. US Soccer said it accepted the committee’s ruling, while US players indicated they had been preparing for both scenarios before learning Balogun would be available.