Folarin Balogun was cleared to play after FIFA suspended the one-game red-card ban that had followed his dismissal, making him available for the U.S. match against Belgium.

What changed

FIFA used a disciplinary rule that lets its judicial body fully or partly suspend a sanction, and it set the suspension on probation for one year. That means Balogun can play now, but if he commits a similar offense during that probation period, the ban can be reactivated.

Why it was controversial

The original red card had been seen as harsh and unusual, so the reversal sparked surprise and anger, especially from Belgium’s side. Reports also said the decision came very late, only about 30 hours before the match.

Simple version

He was not cleared because the red card disappeared; he was cleared because FIFA suspended the punishment rather than erasing the decision entirely. In plain English: the sanction was put on hold, which made him eligible to play.

TL;DR: FIFA temporarily suspended Balogun’s suspension under its disciplinary rules, so he could play despite the red card.