President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, clearing the striker to play for the United States against Belgium in Monday's World Cup Round of 16 clash.
Balogun had been ruled out after receiving a straight red card during the Americans' 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was sent off for stepping on defender Tarik Muharemović's foot while battling for the ball.
FIFA typically enforces automatic one-match suspensions for straight red cards without appeal. Yet on Sunday, the governing body's Disciplinary Committee shocked observers by suspending the sanction for a one-year probationary period instead.
The federation offered no detailed reasoning for the ruling. Trump responded swiftly on his Truth Social platform, writing: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!"
Balogun's availability represents a significant lift for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager had loudly criticised the dismissal, insisting the Monaco forward "should never" have been sent off.
Pochettino argued that Balogun was simply "fighting for the ball" and that contact with Muharemović was unintentional. Before FIFA's decision, he'd said he'd need to explore "different options" in attack after learning the suspension couldn't be challenged.
The 24-year-old has been vital to the United States' tournament push, scoring three goals so far. He netted twice in the opening victory over Paraguay.
When reporters spoke to Balogun on Friday, he said the ban was "something I have to just accept" and vowed to back his teammates from the bench if needed. His reinstatement now allows him to continue his World Cup campaign on the pitch instead.
