In an unprecedented move that has caused an uproar around the world, FIFA has lifted the red card suspension of American midfielder Folarin Balogun. The surprise decision means that the tournament will be held on Monday in the blockbuster Round of 16 against Belgium, following the direct intervention of the US President. Donald Trump.Balogun, who led his host nation’s campaign with three goals, was hit with just one ban after receiving a serious red card for a tackle on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović in their 2-0 Round of 32 win. However, a bombshell announcement on Sunday revealed that the ban has been suspended for a one-year trial period. This is the first time since 1962 that a red card shown at a World Cup proper has not resulted in an immediate suspension. The dramatic change came after President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the incident. Following the announcement, Trump thanked soccer’s governing body for reversing what he called a “gross injustice,” according to the Associated Press (AP).In contrast, the Belgian camp was left very angry. The head of Belgium, Rudi Garcia, criticized the governing body, saying that they did not realize that July 5 was April Fool’s Day in Europe, while the Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed that it was investigating all legal measures to preserve the integrity of the game.United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly defended the decision, saying his team had already been unfairly penalized by playing with ten men for more than 30 minutes a game.The presence of the 25-year-old leader of Monaco greatly boosts America’s hope to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. With history and political drama linked to the stadium, this high-profile showdown against Belgium has turned into the most anticipated and controversial battle of the tournament.