FIFA clears Folarin Balogun to play following intervention by Donald Trump

FIFA has suspended the automatic red-card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to participate in Monday's World Cup match against Belgium. This decision follows a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Balogun received the red card during a 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review for a tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. While FIFA has cleared the player to compete, the governing body has not officially rescinded the red card itself, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The move has sparked significant controversy regarding the influence of political figures on sporting decisions. FIFA has not provided public comments regarding the reported phone call between Trump and Infantino. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously argued that the tackle did not warrant an expulsion. Belgium has formally expressed its dissatisfaction with the decision as the teams prepare for the last-16 clash.