FIFA’s decision to clear Folarin Balogun for the United States’ World Cup last-16 match against Belgium has turned into one of the tournament’s most politically charged controversies.

The American striker had been expected to miss the knockout tie after being sent off in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Instead, FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban, allowing him to return immediately.

According to AP News, U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the Bosnia match and asked the governing body to review the red card.

After FIFA’s decision was announced, Trump wrote on social media: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

Read also: Ronaldo hits back before Spain clash: “You are very eager for me not to come anymore”:

A red card that changed the American buildup

Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara.

The incident came after a VAR review, with Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showing the striker a straight red card for a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović. The decision left the United States down to 10 men, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side still held on to reach the next round.

The suspension initially looked automatic.

Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, appeared certain to miss the Belgium match. That would have been a major blow for a United States team trying to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

Read also: “African immigration”: Wenger on France’s success

Instead, FIFA’s disciplinary committee used Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the punishment.

According to The Guardian, Balogun has been placed on a one-year probationary period, meaning the red card remains on his record. If he commits another offence of a similar nature and seriousness during that period, the one-match ban will be enforced.

Pochettino welcomes the decision

For the United States, the ruling is a major sporting boost.

Balogun has been one of the team’s most important attacking players at the World Cup, and his return gives Pochettino a full-strength forward line for one of the biggest matches in American football history.

Read also: Harry Kane's emotional reaction after England vs Mexico quickly goes viral

According to The Times of India, Pochettino defended FIFA’s decision and said: “I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision.”

He also argued that the United States had already paid a heavy price against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.

Belgium left furious

The decision has not been received the same way in Belgium.

Read also: “Crossed a red line”: UEFA attacks FIFA over Balogun decision

The Belgian federation reacted with anger and questioned the fairness of allowing Balogun to play. The timing of the ruling, coming just before the knockout match, has only made the controversy more sensitive.

Quoted by AP News, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said: “I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe.”

He added that Belgium were not only defending themselves, but the wider integrity of football.

The Royal Belgian Football Association also said it was investigating its options, arguing that the case raised wider questions about fair play and consistency at the World Cup.

Read also: “Astonished”: Belgium rage at FIFA after Trump call clears Balogun

A ruling with bigger consequences

The ruling has given the United States a clear boost before facing Belgium in Seattle.

But it has also created a debate that will follow FIFA beyond one match. Red cards at the World Cup normally carry an automatic one-game suspension, and Belgium’s frustration is rooted in the belief that the usual process has been interrupted at a crucial moment.

The United States, meanwhile, insist the original red card was too harsh and that the final outcome restores fairness.

Balogun will now be available for the biggest match of his international career. Whether FIFA’s decision is remembered as common sense or as a dangerous precedent may depend on what happens next.