Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The United States team thought it was fake.
As players made the short bus ride to training ahead of their World Cup knockout clash with Belgium, social media suddenly erupted with claims striker Folarin Balogun had been cleared to play despite receiving a red card just days earlier.
“I think a lot of us thought it was AI at first,” defender Chris Richards said.
“We weren’t sure if it was true or not.”
Minutes later, FIFA confirmed one of the most extraordinary rulings in World Cup history.
Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension had been revoked, making him eligible for the United States’ Round of 16 showdown against Belgium despite being sent off for stepping awkwardly on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović’s ankle.
The decision marks the first time since red and yellow cards were introduced at the 1970 World Cup that a player sent off has been allowed to play in their team’s very next match.
It has also ignited an international political and sporting storm.
US President Donald Trump quickly celebrated the ruling after reports emerged that he had personally urged FIFA to review the decision.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.
The New York Times reported Mr Trump phoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the week asking him to revisit Balogun’s dismissal. An Associated Press source confirmed a call came from the White House but did not identify who made it.
The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted with disbelief, describing itself as “astonished” by FIFA’s intervention.
“The decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations,” it said in a statement.
“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.”
Balogun’s dismissal had been one of the tournament’s biggest talking points after the striker, who has scored three goals during the World Cup, was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US teammate Christian Pulisic insisted the punishment never fit the challenge.
“If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all,” he said.
“I felt like there were much worse ones that went on in this tournament.”
FIFA later confirmed it had relied on Article 27 of its disciplinary code, allowing the suspension to be put on hold for a one-year probationary period.
Should Balogun commit a similar offence during that time, the suspension will automatically be reinstated alongside any new punishment.
Balogun himself let his social media do the talking, posting a photo of himself celebrating with American fans overlaid with Michael Jackson’s hit song Bad as the United States prepared for one of the most controversial knockout matches of the tournament.
