Before the round of 16 match between Belgium and the United States at the FIFA World Cup, the Royal Belgian Football Association expressed surprise on Sunday over FIFA’s decision to allow a suspended U.S. striker to play. The player had been sent off in the round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge that officials deemed dangerous. The Belgian body argued that lifting the automatic suspension violated FIFA’s disciplinary code and tournament rules. Reports indicated that President Donald Trump contacted FIFA officials to review the card, and he later thanked the organization on social media for reversing what he called an injustice. FIFA cited a provision in its code that permits suspending enforcement of sanctions, a step never before taken at the World Cup. Belgium stated it is exploring options to uphold fair play principles. If the player participates, it would mark only the second such case in tournament history. The first occurred in 1962 with a Brazilian player under different regulations. Critics have questioned FIFA’s independence and recent decisions on various issues ahead of the event.
