FIFA has controversially suspended a red card suspension for United States star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in Monday's last-16 World Cup match against Belgium. The decision, announced Sunday, came after U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.

Balogun received a red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for stepping on an opponent's ankle. This resulted in an automatic one-match ban, a rule FIFA has now seemingly broken.

The global football body cited Article 27 of its disciplinary committee rules, which allows for the suspension of a disciplinary measure, subjecting the individual to a probationary period. Despite the rule, the decision has ignited significant criticism from various footballing bodies and former players.

Critics argue that this unprecedented intervention undermines the integrity of the tournament and sets a dangerous precedent for political influence in sports. The U.S. Soccer Federation did not make Balogun available for comment, but the player posted a social media update referencing Michael Jackson's song "Bad."

Balogun, who plays for Monaco and has scored three goals for the U.S. in the tournament, was sent off after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino stated he did not believe it warranted a red card. Fans and commentators remain divided on the original call.

The suspension of Balogun's ban marks a departure from FIFA's typical handling of such infractions. While the disciplinary committee can suspend sanctions, it is typically applied with a probationary period. This instance, however, is seen as being directly influenced by external political pressure.

Belgium's football association and Europe's top football body have expressed their disapproval of the decision. Multiple former top players have also voiced concerns about the precedent being set, questioning the fairness and impartiality of the competition.

This is reportedly the first time since 1962 that a red card issued during a World Cup has not resulted in the player serving an automatic suspension, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this intervention.