U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA after the governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to play in the team’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had received a red card during the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension under FIFA regulations. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the enforcement of the suspension would be placed on probation for one year, allowing the 25-year-old forward to feature in Monday’s knockout match.
Trump praised the decision in a post on Truth Social, calling it a correction of what he described as an unfair punishment. Reports indicate that Trump personally spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino before the disciplinary committee reviewed the case, a move that has drawn significant attention.
The decision has sparked controversy across the football world, with Belgium’s football federation criticizing FIFA’s intervention and questioning its consistency in applying disciplinary rules. FIFA has defended the move, saying it acted under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code.
Balogun, who has scored three goals during the tournament, is expected to play a key role as the United States looks to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.