FOLARIN BALOGUN CLEARED TO PLAY IN WORLD CUP ROUND OF 16 AFTER FIFA SUSPENDS RED CARD BAN AGAINST US STRIKER. (PHOTO).

 Folarin Balogun cleared to play in World Cup round of 16 after FIFA suspends red card ban against US striker

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will be available for the USMNT’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday after FIFA suspended his one-game red card ban.

FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension would be placed on hold under a one-year probationary period, allowing Balogun to return to eligibility for the knockout-stage match in Seattle.

Balogun was shown a red card in the second half of the United States’ match against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week after a challenge involving an opponent’s foot. The decision led to his ejection and an automatic one-match suspension. At the time, FIFA stated that referees’ disciplinary rulings were final and not subject to appeal.

Under the revised ruling, FIFA warned that if Balogun commits another similar offense during the probation period, the suspension would be enforced immediately, in addition to any further disciplinary action.

U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the match that Balogun was disappointed by the decision and that the contact did not appear intentional.

U.S. Soccer said it accepted the ruling and welcomed the decision to suspend the ban, adding that the team’s focus is now on preparing for the Belgium match.

The United States and Belgium are set to face off Monday night in Seattle in the Round of 16.