White House lobbied Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun suspension for World Cup game v Belgium

US striker was shown red in last-32 matchFifa announced suspension of ban earlier on SundayBelgian FA ‘astonished’ by decisionThe White House lobbied Fifa to lift the US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card received in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Guardian understands, resulting in Sunday’s stunning announcement that he would be available for the cohosts’ last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle on Monday night.The decision gives the US a huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been a constant threat for the US so far this tournament, and has scored three goals in three starts. Continue reading...