FIFA has overturned the red-card suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun following a reported intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Balogun was initially set to miss Monday's Round of 16 World Cup clash against Belgium after receiving a straight red card during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the Round of 32. The dismissal came after a VAR review found that the striker had stepped on the foot of a Bosnian defender.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension would be put on hold for one year, making Balogun eligible for the crucial knockout encounter. The governing body did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.

Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically carries a one-match suspension, and such sanctions are generally not subject to appeal by the player's team.

Reports indicate that President Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the striker's punishment.

Reacting to the development, Trump welcomed the decision in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Belgian football authorities. The Royal Belgian Football Association described the move as "astonishing" and said it was in "direct contradiction" to FIFA's own rules.

In a statement, the federation said it was exploring all available options to "safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport."

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia also expressed disbelief at the ruling, joking during a press conference: "I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup, the 5th of July is now the 1st of April, and that it's April Fool's Day."

The controversial decision has intensified debate ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup knockout match between the United States and Belgium.