​Follow for live updates on USA vs. Belgium in the World Cup! SEATTLE — The FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained its decision to allow United States star Folarin Balogun to participate in the World Cup round of 16 despite a red card that would normally trigger a suspension, stating that it did not bend the rules while noting the striker will incur a fine. The explanation arrived less than four hours before the USMNT faces Belgium for a spot in the quarterfinals. FIFA’s committee said it opened disciplinary proceedings on Balogun a day after he earned a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. It found that Balogun did violate FIFA codes related to suspension and for entering the field with teammates after the match. Consequently, he was suspended and fined $40,000. Although he would typically miss the Belgium match, the committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which grants discretion to suspend the application of disciplinary measures, and scheduled a one-year probationary period during which the suspension would be enforced only if Balogun commits another offense of similar nature and gravity. There is precedent for such rulings, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s case during World Cup qualifiers, where a three-match ban was suspended, allowing him to play the entire group stage. Nicolas Otamendi and Moises Caicedo also had suspensions lifted from World Cup play. FIFA defended its decision, saying it did not overturn the red card but exercised discretion on enforcement. The governing body also noted that reviewing red-card consequences is a common practice in top leagues, and suspending a red card’s effect under a clear regulation is a balanced approach. Belgium’s federation has pushed back angrily, and President Donald Trump has publicly claimed he lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse the suspension. FIFA gave Belgium a chance to appeal Balogun’s suspension, but hours before kickoff, Belgium was deemed ineligible to challenge the decision.