Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday after FIFA suspended his one-match suspension.
FIFA announced the decision on Sunday, overturning the automatic ban Balogun received following his red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The striker, who has scored three goals in the tournament, was dismissed for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticised the ruling, saying he initially thought it was a joke. “I didn’t know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April – it’s April Fools’,” he said. The Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment and said it is examining its options.
US Soccer accepted the outcome and said its focus remains on the match in Seattle. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois noted the late timing had affected preparations but said Belgium would be ready regardless.
The ruling follows the same article of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code previously used to clear Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal. Balogun will face an additional ban if he commits a similar infringement.
