US Striker Balogun Cleared to Play After FIFA Overturns Suspension; Trump Thanks FIFA

The US national team will have their key forward Folarin Balogun available for their World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA unexpectedly overturned his red card suspension. The decision has been met with "astonishment" by the Belgian Football Association, which is reviewing all options to protect its legitimate rights and the principles of fair play.

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The Belgian Football Association is reviewing all options to protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and the fundamental principles of fair play.

FIFA confirmed that Balogun, who received a red card in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, is eligible to play. The world football governing body has suspended the one-year ban for a probationary period of one year. This means the sanction will only be enforced if Balogun commits another offense of similar gravity within that time. If he avoids further infractions, the penalty would be served at a much less critical juncture in his career.

US President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA on Truth Social for rectifying what he described as a "great injustice." Trump stated that FIFA had done "the right thing." Balogun's red card, issued for a hard but apparently unintentional challenge on opponent Tarik Muharemovic, was initially deemed a serious offense by the referee. US coach Mauricio Pochettino argued it was "never a red card" and "never intentional."

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Thank you to FIFA for doing what is right and rectifying a great injustice.

The reversal of a red card suspension at this tournament is unprecedented. Balogun is a crucial offensive player for the US team, alongside Christian Pulisic. His availability allows coach Pochettino to field his strongest lineup against Belgium in Seattle.

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For me, that is never a red card. That was never intentional.