Trump hails FIFA for overturning Key US player Balogun suspension

U.S. President Donald Trump has thanked FIFA after the world football governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” following the announcement. Balogun had been shown a straight red card during the USA’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the automatic suspension initially ruling him out of the Belgium match. However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the one-match ban under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, placing the sanction on probation for one year instead of enforcing it immediately. The decision means the striker is now eligible for selection against Belgium. FIFA has previously applied the same provision in similar circumstances. Earlier this year, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo also benefited from Article 27 after receiving a three-match suspension for a red card during a World Cup qualifier. FIFA suspended the final two matches of that ban under a one-year probation period, allowing Ronaldo to feature in Portugal’s opening matches of the World Cup. Balogun has been one of the United States’ standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals to help his side reach the knockout stage. His availability is expected to provide a significant boost as the Americans take on Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals. (Newswire)