United States (US) President Donald Trump reportedly intervened to support US striker Folarin Balogun so that the star player could participate in the FIFA World Cup match against Belgium.
Balogun was sent off in the US's round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday (July 1) after stamping on Tarik Muharemovic's right foot, which automatically triggers a one-match suspension.
Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino hours after the match and asked him to review Balogun's suspension, The New York Times reported , citing four people familiar with the conversation.
In a press statement on Monday, FIFA said Balogun could play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between the host nation and Belgium at Seattle Stadium.
Under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), Balogun's automatic suspension was suspended for a probationary period of one year, FIFA said.
Article 27 of the FDC allows FIFA's judicial bodies to suspend in full or in part the implementation of disciplinary measures.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and undoing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on Truth Social .
According to this cancellation is highly unusual and is the first time since 1962 that FIFA has allowed a player to appear in a match when he should have been suspended after being sent off at a World Cup.
