White House Intervenes to Lift Balogun’s Red Card Ahead of USA vs Belgium

Folarin Balogun will now play in the United States’ World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after a direct intervention from the White House led FIFA to suspend his red-card ban. The striker was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. Replays suggested his challenge was not malicious, so FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a one-match suspension but then applied probation under Article 27 of its code. Reports say the White House called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision, though FIFA insists the reversal was purely a function of its independent disciplinary panel. US Soccer issued a statement welcoming Balogun’s eligibility and thanking fans for their support. The Belgian FA has expressed astonishment, citing regulations that automatically link a red card to the next-match ban. Balogun’s return is a major boost as the co-hosts chase only their second quarter-final berth in history.

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