US striker was shown red in last-32 match
Fifa announced suspension of ban earlier on Sunday
Belgian FA ‘astonished’ by decision
The White House lobbied Fifa to lift US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card received in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Guardian understands, resulting in Sunday’s stunning announcement that he would be available for the host nation’s last-16 clash against Belgium.
The decision gives the US a huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been a constant threat for the US so far this tournament, and has scored three goals in three starts.
