Beijing time, July 6th, FIFA officially announced that US forward Balogun, who received a red card in the Round of 32, can play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium, with his red card suspension deferred for one year.[Watch the World Cup on Migu Video]

In the previous Round of 32 match, the US eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the Round of 16. However, Balogun, who broke the deadlock for the US, stomped on opponent Muharemovic's ankle in the 64th minute, causing the opponent's ankle to bend at a 90-degree angle. After VAR intervention, the referee reviewed the footage and showed a red card, sending him off.

Previously, TA, The Telegraph, and other media outlets explained the red card rules of the World Cup. The US Soccer Federation could not appeal Balogun's red card or the subsequent automatic suspension. However, the situation has now taken a huge turn.

There is a precedent for Balogun's situation. Cristiano Ronaldo was spared from missing the opening stages of the World Cup under similar circumstances: FIFA imposed a 3-match ban on the Portuguese captain, but the final 2 matches were suspended, with a 'one-year probation period'.

According to exclusive news from reporter Ben Jacobs, the reason Balogun's red card could be deferred is that the White House directly called FIFA, asking FIFA President Infantino to re-examine Balogun's red card decision.

After Balogun's suspension was deferred for one year, US President Donald Trump also expressed his approval of FIFA's decision on social media immediately.

Regarding FIFA's move, Belgium, the US's next opponent, also responded. The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) issued a statement expressing shock at the deferred execution of Balogun's suspension, considering it inconsistent with FIFA rules, and will consider countermeasures.

Belgium coach Garcia complained directly at the press conference: "I don't know if July 5th in the US is April 1st (April Fools' Day)?"

According to statistics, since the introduction of the red and yellow card system in 1970, Balogun has become the first player in World Cup history who, after receiving a red card, could still continue to play in his team's next World Cup match.

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