FIFA has surprisingly overturned the one-match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the co-host's World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Balogun was sent off in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. The red card would have ruled him out of the Belgium fixture.

“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement. If Balogun commits a similar infringement during that period, the suspension will be reinstated.

US President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for the decision, writing on Truth Social: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

US Soccer welcomed the ruling, stating: “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.”

Balogun, 25, has scored three goals in four tournament matches and won two Player of the Match awards. He needs one more goal to match Bert Patenaude's record for most goals by a US male player at a single World Cup.

Belgium has not commented on Balogun's availability for Monday's match in Seattle.

Source: www.aljazeera.com