FIFA Lifts Balogun Ban After Trump Call

FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban of US striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 following a personal appeal by President Donald Trump.

The decision sparked outrage from Belgium and European football officials, who questioned the integrity of the tournament.

UEFA issued a blistering statement saying FIFA had 'crossed a red line' and called the move 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.' Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter warned that red cards should not be overturned by phone calls.