Trump called Infantino and FIFA lifted Balogun's one-match ban before Belgium clash

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Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot criticized FIFA over its decision to overturn a one-match suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the team’s World Cup match against Belgium.

“As a former football referee, I have always been committed to upholding the rules and ensuring decisions are fair. This decision clearly raises many questions,” Prévot told POLITICO in a statement.

Balogun received a red card during the U.S.’s victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which translated into removal from the game and a routine one-match suspension that would keep him out of a must-win encounter against Belgium.

But after U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday, the suspension was revoked. FIFA declined to confirm any specific discussions but reiterated to POLITICO that an independent disciplinary committee had decided to suspend the one-match ban.

Prévot argued that “if it really was a phone call that led to this incomprehensible decision , that would amount to undermining the most basic rules of football and sport” and question FIFA’s ability to “credibly advocate fair play.”

Other Belgian officials and politicians questioned the validity of the football federation’s decision.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever responded ironically and shared an image of his cat on social media that read: “Red card? I’ll play anyway.”

The Belgian football association RBFA said it was “astonished” by the decision to overturn the suspension on Sunday night. “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the association noted.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked the reversal during a press conference on Sunday.

“I didn’t know that July 5 here is the same as April 1 in Europe. That’s new to me,” he said , referring to the RBFA statement.

The United States is the last remaining host nation in the tournament, with Canada being eliminated in the round of 32 and Mexico kicked out by England in the round of 16 overnight to Monday.