U.S. star Folarin Balogun eligible to play vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban

Trump called FIFA days before it reversed the striker’s ban, a source said, while Belgium says is “investigating all potential options” over the decision.

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun has been reinstated for the team’s round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday after he earned a red card in the previous round, FIFA announced Sunday.

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Balogun was shown a controversial red card Wednesday during the U.S.’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina to start the knockout stage. The card came after replay review showed him inadvertently stepping on the back of the leg of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović.

A red card typically means a player is not only sent off in the match he’s playing in, but also suspended for the following one. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee, an independent judicial body that reviews plays it deems warrant a closer look, reviewed Balogun’s foul and decided to suspend the suspension.