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FIFA has controversially overturned USA star Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension following his red card. Balogun was set to miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium, but FIFA, after a reported intervention from the White House, invoked a special rule to suspend his ban, allowing him to play. The decision has drawn flak from netizens on social media.

FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban just hours before the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium has sparked a massive backlash online. Balogun had initially received a one-match ban following his dismissal during the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. FIFA later suspended the sanction, making him available for the Americans' next match.

The reversal quickly became one of the tournament's biggest talking points. Reports further emerged of 'political intervention' with White House getting in touch with president Gianni Infantino to review the decision. FIFA meanwhile have maintained that the decision was reached by an independent committee and had not intervention whatsoever.

The decision was celebrated by United States President Donald Trump, who publicly thanked FIFA after Balogun's suspension was lifted. The White House also appeared to welcome the outcome, posting "USA USA USA" on its official X account shortly after FIFA confirmed the decision.

While USMNT can celebrate, the decision by FIFA and the potential White House intervention was not appreciated among netizens. Several called out FIFA for their biasedness towards the host nation USA. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is known to be great friends with USA president Donald Trump and fans alleged that the FIFA chief had pulled in a massive favour against the laws of the game.