FIFA lifts US player Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino

FIFA has lifted the one-game suspension for U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun following intervention from President Donald Trump. Balogun had received a red card for a foul during a World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The president contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision. FIFA subsequently announced the suspension was lifted under a probationary period of one year. The ruling allows Balogun to participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. The decision has drawn significant criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association and coach Rudi Garcia, who questioned the integrity of the process. FIFA defended its actions by citing disciplinary committee rules regarding the discretionary suspension of sanctions. This is not the first instance of FIFA deferring bans, as similar actions have been taken for other international players in the past. The U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed receipt of the decision on Sunday morning. The host nation is currently aiming to reach the tournament's quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.