FIFA has overturned the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to feature in his country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had been expected to miss the knockout fixture after being sent off during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.
The Arsenal forward received a straight red card following a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, an offence that automatically carried a one-match suspension under FIFA regulations.
However, world football’s governing body announced on Sunday that the suspension has been put on hold, allowing the striker to return immediately.
“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in an official statement.
The decision means Balogun will be available for selection when Mauricio Pochettino’s side takes on Belgium in a crucial Round of 16 encounter.
FIFA also warned that the suspension could still be enforced if the striker commits another offence of a similar nature during the probationary period.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the statement added.
The ruling comes as a major boost for the United States ahead of one of their biggest matches of the tournament, with Balogun expected to lead the attack against a highly-rated Belgian side seeking a place in the quarter-finals.
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