SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — FIFA said Sunday it is putting Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension on hold for a one-year probationary period, clearing the U.S. forward to play Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 in Seattle.
The governing body said it acted under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. FIFA warned that if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction enforced.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by the decision and said it believed the move contradicted FIFA’s rules. U.S. Soccer said it accepted the ruling and was “pleased” with the decision.
Balogun’s red card came in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. ABC News and USA Today, citing unnamed sources familiar with the conversation, reported that President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the suspension.
