FIFA clears Folarin Balogun to play for USMNT against Belgium

Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban was suspended by FIFA on Sunday, allowing the forward to play in the United States’ World Cup round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.

According to the Associated Press, the White House made a call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

The person did not have details to share about who specifically made the call and when.

President Donald Trump celebrated the red card reversal shortly after it was announced, posting on his social media network "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

The backstory:

Balogun was shown a straight red card in Wednesday's victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina after stepping on the right ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic.

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What they're saying:

Speaking before training at Husky Soccer Stadium, the U.S. striker said he believed the challenge warranted a yellow card rather than a dismissal.

"There's nowhere else to put your leg. It's going to be unavoidable," Balogun said. "I've seen many different opinions and takes. But, for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair. It's something that's happened, so we have to move forward and I have to accept it."

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Dig deeper:

Under FIFA rules, a straight red card carries an automatic one-match suspension. Because FIFA did not impose any additional disciplinary action, Balogun will be eligible to return for the quarterfinals if the United States advances past Belgium.

Despite the suspension, Balogun has been one of the tournament's standout performers. He has scored three goals, including the opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina, matching Landon Donovan's three-goal total from the 2010 World Cup for the second-most goals by an American in a single tournament. Only Bert Patenaude, who scored four goals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930, has scored more for the United States in one tournament.

Balogun celebrated his goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina with LeBron James' signature "Silencer" gesture, a celebration the NBA's all-time leading scorer later acknowledged on social media. The Arsenal-born forward also became the first American to score twice in a World Cup match since Patenaude accomplished the feat in 1930.

Balogun described the days following the match as an emotional whirlwind but said he wanted to respond with composure.

"Been upset, I've been happy. It's been surreal, to be honest," Balogun said. "But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There's still lots of people who are inspiring little kids, boys and girls who are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it's unjust."

FIFA World Cup