FIFA lifts Balogun's suspension | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FIFA lifts Balogun’s suspension, a move that clears the way for Folarin Balogun to appear for the United States against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday. Balogun’s red card came during the U.S. 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 on Wednesday, when he stepped awkwardly on Tarik Muharemovic’s right ankle. The dismissal followed a video review and, under standard rules, would have meant an automatic one-game ban. FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension had been lifted for the next match, a rare step that drew praise from Donald Trump and anger from Belgium’s team. The report says Trump spoke with Gianni Infantino after the game, prompting FIFA to reconsider the call. Belgium’s federation said it was “astonished,” while coach Rudi Garcia mocked the timing of the decision.