07/06/26 05:57:00
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07/06 17:39 CDT Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted
following call by Trump to FIFA
Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted following call by
Trump to FIFA
By RONALD BLUM
AP Sports Writer
SEATTLE (AP) --- Folarin Balogun is in the United States' starting lineup for
Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card
suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the
sport.
Balogun's red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping
on an opponent's ankle last Wednesday during the Americans' 2-0 win over
Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA president
Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a
year on Sunday, prompting the European governing body UEFA to call the decision
"unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
Belgium's attempt to have FIFA reinstate the suspension was denied by FIFA's
appeals committee, which said the Belgian federation lacked standing.
Belgium fans chanted "FIFA Mafia" during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary
committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the
U.S. Soccer Federation.
Balogun's three goals lead the U.S., which has never won consecutive
knockout-rounds games at the World Cup. Belgium eliminated the Americans in the
2014 round of 16.
The U.S.-Belgium winner faces Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, for a
semifinal berth against France or Morocco. The U.S. last reached the
quarterfinals in 2002, when it was knocked out by Germany. The Americans
advanced to the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930.
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