FIFA Reverses Red Card for US Striker Folarin Balogun

FIFA has overturned the red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, which was issued during a knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident occurred in the 64th minute, where Balogun received a direct red card after a VAR review deemed he had stamped on defender Tarik Muharemov's foot.

According to FIFA regulations, a direct red card typically results in an automatic suspension for the next match. However, FIFA has suspended the sanction, allowing Balogun to be eligible for selection against Belgium.

US Men's National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino had appealed the decision, and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the appeal. Donald Trump, the former President, commended FIFA for their decision, stating it corrected a significant injustice and acknowledged his good relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Balogun, who was born in New York and raised in England, plays for French club Monaco and has scored three times for the US in the World Cup.