Trump asked Infantino to review Balogun's suspension, says US newspaper

Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, and asked for the suspension imposed on American striker Falorin Balogun at the World Cup to be lifted, according to information from the New York Times. The call was made on Wednesday, the day of the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia, in the match in which Balogun was sent off. This Sunday, FIFA announced that the suspension was revoked.

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice", thanked Trump in a post on Truth, his official social network.

Infantino and Trump have strengthened ties over the past few years. The exchange of affection reached its highest level last year, when football's highest governing body handed over its newly created Peace Prize to the President of the USA, who is expected to be present at the ceremony to hand over the World Cup trophy on July 19th.

When announcing the annulment of Balogun's suspension, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained that the annulment was based on Article 27 of the FDC (FIFA Disciplinary Code). "By virtue of Article 27 of the FDC, the implementation of the automatic game suspension for US player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."

The article cited in the decision provides that the governing body of football may totally or partially suspend the application of a punishment. The red card was shown by Brazilian Raphael Claus, 18 minutes into the second half, after the attacker stepped on Tarik Muharemovic's ankle.

During the match, the referee consulted VAR to review the play and confirm the expulsion of the United States striker. At that point in the duel, the hosts were winning the match 1-0, with a goal from Balogun himself. Even with one less, Mauricio Pochettino's team scored the second goal with Malik Tillman and confirmed the classification.

The United States takes the field this Monday (06), at 9 pm, against Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The duel will be held at the Lumen Field stadium in Seattle. Balogun is the team's top scorer and scored three goals in three matches at the World Cup.

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Source: CNN