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🚨 Exclusive: The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card. FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee. FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel.

Folarin Balogun will be available to play the USMNT’s round of 16 match against Belgium with his one-game red-card ban suspended. The 25-year-old received a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Multiple FIFA officials told The Athletic after the game that a team is not able to appeal against a red card or the subsequent suspension. However, Balogun is set to be available to face Rudi Garcia’s side as his suspension has been suspended. More from @Dan_Sheldon_ & @AdamCrafton_ 🔗 nyti.ms/3QRhcLJ