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

• US striker was shown red in last-32 match

• Fifa announced suspension of ban earlier on Sunday

• Belgian FA ‘astonished’ by decision

President Donald Trump 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, preceding Sunday’s stunning announcement that he would be available for the cohosts’ last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle on Monday night.

Sources have told the Guardian that Trump made three calls to Fifa, starting from Wednesday last week, to ensure that the change was made.

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