FIFA lifts U.S. player Balogun's red card suspension after Trump calls Infantino

FIFA has overturned a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a World Cup match against Belgium. The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the call.

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Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!

Balogun was shown a red card for stepping on the ankle of an opponent during a previous match, which normally results in an automatic one-game ban. FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension was lifted, with the sanction suspended for a probationary period of one year.

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I didn't know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe.

Trump expressed his gratitude on social media, calling the reversal "a great injustice" corrected. However, the decision sparked controversy, with Belgium's national football association expressing astonishment. Belgian coach Rudi Garcia questioned the timing of FIFA's announcement, comparing it to April Fools' Day and stating the Belgian federation defends the integrity of football.

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The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team, She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics. I think it's the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.

U.S. players learned of Balogun's availability through social media posts while traveling to training. Some players felt the foul on Balogun was not severe enough to warrant a red card, especially considering other more serious infractions in the tournament. The U.S. Soccer Federation received official notification from FIFA regarding the suspension's suspension.

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If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all.