SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA said Sunday it has put Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension on hold for a one-year probationary period, clearing the U.S. forward to play Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
The governing body said the decision was made under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. FIFA said the ban would be enforced if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ruling makes him available for Monday’s match against Belgium in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and said it viewed the move as contrary to FIFA’s rules. U.S. Soccer said it accepted and was pleased with the disciplinary committee’s ruling.
News reports citing people familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s red-card suspension. The timing of that reported call has varied across accounts.
