France 24 is reporting that Belgium has been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban for United States national team striker Folarin Balogun. The Athletic reported on Monday that this decision reportedly followed an intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Balogun had received a direct red card, which typically carries an automatic one-match suspension, making him ineligible for Monday's round of 16 match. However, FIFA announced Sunday that the ban was suspended for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 FDC of its disciplinary code.
The ruling prompted widespread debate, with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) stating it was exploring "all potential options." The Athletic said the RBFA formally appealed to FIFA, and the appeal was granted. The RBFA and US Soccer were asked to make submissions before the match.
President Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the matter, with other White House officials also involved. Trump praised the decision on Truth Social, calling it a reversal of "a great injustice!" US Soccer accepted the decision, stating its focus was on the match against Belgium.
European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA's action as an "incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," saying FIFA had "crossed a red line" and that "the integrity of the game is at stake." Belgium coach Rudi Garcia expressed his federation's strong opinions, stating they were "defending football." US coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, defended FIFA's decision, arguing that the U.S. was not benefiting from the situation and had already played a significant portion of a knockout match a man down.
Balogun, 25, who has a team-best three goals in the World Cup, is currently eligible to play and is expected to start.