SEATTLE, United States, July 5 (Xinhua) -- FIFA suspended enforcement of a one-match red-card ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun on Sunday, a decision that allows him to feature in Monday's FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia reacted strongly to the decision at a pre-match press conference, saying: "I just found out that July 5 is FIFA's April Fools' Day."
Balogun was sent off for stamping on Tarik Muharemovic during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 1.
FIFA said Balogun had been handed a one-match suspension for violating Articles 14 and 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, but that under Article 27, enforcement of the sanction had been deferred for one year.
The United States forward, who has scored three goals at the tournament, will therefore remain eligible for the knockout-stage clash.
The Royal Belgian Football Association immediately issued a statement protesting the ruling.
"This is not just about ourselves or the national team. We are defending football itself, its integrity and its moral values," Garcia said.
According to multiple media outlets, including The Associated Press, citing anonymous sources, U.S. President Donald Trump had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and requested a review of Balogun's red card. Trump later wrote on social media: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice."
Asked whether Belgium would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), or whether external pressure influenced FIFA's decision, Garcia declined to comment.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he was surprised by the ruling but insisted it would not change his team's approach.
"We just need to win as a team, whether Balogun plays or not," Courtois said.
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino said he understood Belgium's reaction but supported FIFA's decision.
"There couldn't be anything fairer than this," Pochettino said. "Anyone who truly cares about football and believes in integrity and justice should be happy with this decision."
He said the United States had already paid a heavy price in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"We had to play with 10 men for more than 30 minutes after what we believe was a completely unfair decision," he said.
Pochettino added that Balogun's availability was a boost but stressed that the team's strength came from its squad as a whole.
"Our strength comes from all 26 players," he said. "Maybe tomorrow I'll leave Balogun on the bench. Who knows?"
Co-host United States is seeking its first FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002. ■
