Trump calls FIFA as Balogun ban is lifted before US-Belgium match
What's new: Trump said he spoke to FIFA before the US striker's one-game suspension was paused, letting the tournament's top US scorer play.
President Donald Trump said he spoke with FIFA before the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, clearing the United States striker to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16. Balogun, 25, was sent off in the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge that drew a straight red card following video review. BBC reported Trump confirmed the contact and argued the play was not a foul. The Guardian reported FIFA then paused the suspension until after the tournament. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticized the move, and the Belgian federation was reviewing legal options. Balogun has three goals at the tournament.