U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun will be available to play in tonight’s World Cup knockout game against Belgium after FIFA suspended his ban following a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“I didn’t tell him what to do,” Trump said, warning that it would have been a “stain” on the event if Balogun, the top American scorer, were unable to play. “All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.Balogun had been issued a red card during the USA’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which would have sidelined him for tonight’s game. Infantino told Trump the case would be decided by independent judicial bodies, allowing Balogun to play while the decision is pending. “The game tonight’s going to be amazing. And we’re going to have a full team. And Belgium is going to have a full team. And you know what? If they beat us, then they can be really proud,” Trump said. Belgium attempted to appeal FIFA’s decision, but the organization’s appeal committee rejected the request as inadmissible, stating Belgium was not a party to the case and had no standing to appeal.The Union of European Football Associations criticized FIFA’s handling of the situation, saying the organization “crossed a red line” and warning that the integrity of the game is at stake. While Balogun will play tonight, FIFA has not erased the suspension entirely. The ban has been suspended for a probationary period, meaning FIFA could revisit discipline if another issue arises later. This controversy has raised questions about President Trump’s influence on FIFA. Trump and Infantino have a long-standing relationship, dating back to Trump’s first term when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico won the bid to co-host this World Cup. Earlier this year, FIFA awarded Trump its first-ever Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. Critics argue that Trump’s access to FIFA may have influenced the decision to allow Balogun to play. Beyond national pride, there is significant financial incentive for teams still competing in the tournament. This year’s World Cup champion will receive $50 million, the largest prize ever awarded, while the runner-up will earn $33 million.See more from the Washington News Bureau below:

WASHINGTON —

U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun will be available to play in tonight’s World Cup knockout game against Belgium after FIFA suspended his ban following a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I didn’t tell him what to do,” Trump said, warning that it would have been a “stain” on the event if Balogun, the top American scorer, were unable to play.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.

Balogun had been issued a red card during the USA’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which would have sidelined him for tonight’s game. Infantino told Trump the case would be decided by independent judicial bodies, allowing Balogun to play while the decision is pending.

“The game tonight’s going to be amazing. And we’re going to have a full team. And Belgium is going to have a full team. And you know what? If they beat us, then they can be really proud,” Trump said.

Belgium attempted to appeal FIFA’s decision, but the organization’s appeal committee rejected the request as inadmissible, stating Belgium was not a party to the case and had no standing to appeal.

The Union of European Football Associations criticized FIFA’s handling of the situation, saying the organization “crossed a red line” and warning that the integrity of the game is at stake.

While Balogun will play tonight, FIFA has not erased the suspension entirely. The ban has been suspended for a probationary period, meaning FIFA could revisit discipline if another issue arises later.

This controversy has raised questions about President Trump’s influence on FIFA. Trump and Infantino have a long-standing relationship, dating back to Trump’s first term when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico won the bid to co-host this World Cup. Earlier this year, FIFA awarded Trump its first-ever Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.

Critics argue that Trump’s access to FIFA may have influenced the decision to allow Balogun to play.

Beyond national pride, there is significant financial incentive for teams still competing in the tournament.

This year’s World Cup champion will receive $50 million, the largest prize ever awarded, while the runner-up will earn $33 million.

See more from the Washington News Bureau below: