Now Uefa is entering the debate over Fifa's decision to lift the suspension against Folarin Balogun. In a press release, Uefa writes that the lifting is "unprecedented" and "incomprehensible and indefensible".
Balogun, who is the United States' top scorer in the tournament with three goals, was shown a red card in the round of 16 against Bosnia-Herzegovina and suspended for the round of 16 against Belgium.
But on Sunday, Fifa announced that the suspension had been lifted, citing an article in the regulations that gives the governing body the right to postpone or completely remove the enforcement of a disciplinary sanction.
Telephone call details
The United States' next opponent, Belgium, is said to be appealing the controversial decision. According to information provided to The Athletic, the Belgian Football Association has contacted the international football governing body, FIFA, to appeal the lifting of Folarin Balogun's suspension. FIFA has also granted the Belgian association the right to appeal.
So far in the World Cup, 13 red cards have been handed out, but only Balogun's suspension has been lifted, according to the AP.
US President Donald Trump took to social media to thank FIFA for the decision. According to the New York Times, Trump also called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for the suspension to be lifted.
Match tonight
Following the lifting, corruption allegations have been leveled against FIFA from several quarters. The German Football Association has also demanded that FIFA address reports that the suspension was lifted after a conversation between Infantino and Trump.
But now the Belgian federation has appealed the decision and according to The Athletic, Fifa has appointed a person to Fifa's appeals committee to be responsible for the case. But it is unclear whether Fifa will have time to make a decision before the round of 16, which will be played in Seattle at 02:00 on Tuesday night Swedish time.
