USA’s Balogun Cleared for Belgium Clash After FIFA Lifts Ban

The Nigerian-US professional soccer player Folarin Balogun has been cleared to feature in the United States’ FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban.

Balogun had initially been set to miss the knockout fixture following his red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was sent off for stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.

However, in a statement on Sunday, FIFA confirmed that the suspension has been deferred for a one-year probationary period.

“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said.

Nigerian-US professional soccer player Folarin Balogun. Credit: ABC News

The decision made Balogun eligible to feature against Belgium in a major boost for the United States (US), with the forward having played a key role in the team’s progress at the tournament.

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the ruling, calling the suspension of the ban a correction of an injustice.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the USA’s attacking options as they target a place in the quarter-finals on Monday.

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