FIFA Clears Balogun for USA-Belgium World Cup Match

FIFA has cleared Folarin Balogun, a forward for the USA, to participate in the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after overturning a suspension that followed a controversial red card issued during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun scored the winning goal in the USA's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina but was sent off later in the match, which triggered an automatic suspension.

However, FIFA's disciplinary committee reversed the suspension ahead of the knockout fixture scheduled for Monday. Despite the U.S.

Soccer Federation having no formal avenue to appeal the red card, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the red card to be rescinded.

The incident was reviewed by the Brazilian referee Raphael Claus with assistance from video technology. The U.S.

Soccer Federation welcomed FIFA's decision, stating that Balogun, who is the team's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals, is now eligible to compete against Belgium in Seattle.