In a stunning U-turn, FIFA has decided to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-game ban, paving the way for the USA striker to take on Belgium in their World Cup last-16 showdown. The 25-year-old was red-carded in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA's sudden change of heart means he'll be back in action just days later.
The news has left many scratching their heads, particularly after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had intervened on Balogun's behalf. Trump took to social media to express his gratitude to FIFA for 'reversing a great injustice', further fuelling speculation about the role of external factors in this high-stakes decision.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is fuming, however, and has vowed to investigate all potential options in response. They argue that FIFA's ruling contradicts the competition regulations, which were reaffirmed just last month - a move they claim undermines the integrity of the tournament.
FIFA's statement on the matter reads like a get-out-of-jail-free card for Balogun: '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.' If he commits another similar foul within that time, however, all bets are off and the original punishment will be reinstated.
Balogun's teammates and fans are over the moon with the news, which sees him restored to their starting XI ahead of the crunch clash with Belgium. The former Arsenal forward has been a revelation in this tournament, netting twice against Paraguay and scoring the opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina before his ill-fated 64th-minute dismissal.