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US President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban, clearing the United States striker to feature in Tuesday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had initially been suspended after receiving a straight red card during the USA's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA later announced that the automatic one-match suspension had been suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.
According to CBS News, via the BBC, the decision followed a telephone conversation between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday. Sources said the two discussed Balogun's case, with Infantino indicating that FIFA's disciplinary committee would review the sanction.
The report added that executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, Andrew Giuliani, and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also held discussions with FIFA officials over the matter.
Reacting to the decision on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Balogun, the United States' leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, is now eligible to face Belgium in the knockout fixture.
Explaining its decision, FIFA said: "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.
"If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."
USA captain Christian Pulisic said the players received the news while travelling to training.
"Just a big smile on his face and all of ours. The foul wasn't what it was; it was harsh," Pulisic said.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) condemned FIFA's ruling, describing it as "astonished" and revealing that it was considering its legal and sporting options.
"In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options," the federation said.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had criticised the original red-card decision, arguing that the striker had been unfairly punished.
"It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that," Rubio said.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute following a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus upgraded the offence to a straight red card after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
The former Arsenal forward has been one of Mauricio Pochettino's standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals to help the United States secure a place in the knockout stage.