US President Donald Trump reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He wanted Infantino to review the red card given to USA striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. This red card was overturned by FIFA on Sunday, according to the New York Times.
Balogun received the red card for accidentally stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. This incident happened during the USA's 2-0 win in the last 32 on Wednesday.
FIFA rules state that a straight red card leads to an automatic one-game ban. The player’s team cannot appeal this ban. Because of this, Balogun was set to miss the USA’s last 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
But Trump called Infantino on Wednesday. He asked Infantino to reconsider the decision, as reported by the New York Times. This information came from three people who did not want to be named.
On Sunday, FIFA made the rare choice to lift the ban for one year. This change means Balogun can now play in the USA’s last-16 match against Belgium.
Trump quickly expressed his gratitude to FIFA on social media. He thanked them for “reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium’s football association reacted on Sunday. They said they were “astonished” at FIFA’s decision.
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