Trump after overturned suspension: "Thank you FIFA"

US national team player Folarin Balogun will be available for the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA overturned his one-match suspension. Balogun had received a red card for a foul during the team's advancement to the knockout stage. However, the international football governing body has now rescinded the ban, opting instead to place him on a one-year probation, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Harris.

This decision mirrors a previous instance where FIFA allowed Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo to participate in a match despite a three-game suspension. Following FIFA's decision regarding Balogun, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his gratitude. "Thank you FIFA for making the right decision," Trump posted.

Trump has maintained close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the planning stages of the tournament, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. Infantino's organization has faced criticism earlier in the tournament for not intervening when the U.S. reportedly prevented the Iranian team from using their World Cup base in the country, despite playing their matches there.

Adding to the controversy, the U.S. news outlet Talksport reported that the White House contacted FIFA to request the lifting of Balogun's suspension. While FIFA has not officially commented, sources within the organization reportedly told Talksport that the White House's contact could not have influenced the decision, as it was made by an "independent disciplinary committee."

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Thank you FIFA for making the right decision