FIFA lifts Balogun's red card suspension before Belgium match

FIFA announced that U.S. forward Folarin Balogun will be allowed to play against Belgium on Monday, despite a previous red card suspension. The suspension's lifting is unprecedented, as it marks the first occurrence since 1962 that a red card issued at the World Cup did not lead to a ban. This decision has faced backlash from several football officials, including Juergen Klopp, who criticized the political involvement of Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the matter. The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed shock, and UEFA condemned the lack of consistency in disciplinary measures. Further discussions regarding the integrity of FIFA and sporting autonomy are expected following this announcement.

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