FIFA Lifts Balogun's One-Game Ban, Clearing US Striker for World Cup Match

FIFA has suspended the one-game ban previously issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to participate in the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card during a recent victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which typically carries an automatic one-match suspension. The decision to lift the ban, announced by FIFA on Sunday, comes after reports of lobbying efforts that included involvement from the White House.

This surprising reversal was made possible under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which grants the judicial body the discretion to suspend disciplinary measures. As a result, Balogun will be on a one-year probationary period; should he commit another similar infringement within this time, the original ban will be reinstated. The Royal Belgian Football Association has expressed its astonishment at FIFA's decision and is reportedly exploring its options.

The clearance provides a significant boost for the U.S. Men's National Team as they prepare for their crucial knockout stage game in Seattle on Monday, aiming to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for what he described as rectifying "a great injustice."