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Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament, had been due to miss the knockout match after receiving a red card in the last match.
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States attends a training session in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images via AFP)
US striker Folarin Balogun was named in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban following the intervention of US President Donald Trump.
Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament, had been due to miss the knockout match after receiving a red card in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
However, FIFA later suspended the ban, allowing the Arsenal forward to take his place in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI as the co-hosts chased their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 2002.
Trump Calls For Review Of Red Card
The decision came after Trump confirmed that he had personally spoken to FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Balogun’s suspension. The US President said he believed the striker should not have been sent off and only asked for the decision to be reviewed.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say you have to do this because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump told reporters.
Balogun had been shown a red card after accidentally stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during last Wednesday’s match. Under normal FIFA rules, the dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension.
Belgium’s Appeal Rejected
FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play has sparked controversy across the football world. The Royal Belgian Football Association strongly opposed the move and announced that it would challenge the striker’s eligibility for the match.
However, FIFA later dismissed Belgium’s appeal, calling it “inadmissible”. The decision means Balogun remains eligible to feature against Belgium.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted that the organisation’s disciplinary process was independent and had not been influenced by Trump’s phone call.
(With inputs from agencies)
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