In a move that surprised many fans and football commentators alike, Fifa announced on Sunday that USA striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in the upcoming game against Belgium, despite being sent off with a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Commentators have accused the global football body of caving to political pressure after reports that US President Donald Trump made personal phone calls to Fifa President Gianni Infantino, and several officials and high-profile individuals were involved in challenging the initial red card decision.
A red card comes with an automatic one-match suspension, meaning that players are banned from playing in their team’s next match.
It is exceptionally rare for this decision to be overturned, mostly because Fifa’s disciplinary code does not allow appeals against straight red cards. There has only been one other case in history where a player has not served a suspension, which occurred in 1962, during a time in which there was no automatic ban.
US involvement began just minutes after Balogun received a red card, according to Politico.
