Bizarre Backroom Play: Donald Trump Reportedly Called Infantino Over USA Star's Red Card

FIFA conditionally suspended the one-match ban for the 25-year-old American forward on Sunday. He received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). In the aforementioned game, he weakened his team in the 64th minute by stepping on Tarik Muharemovic's foot. However, he will now be available to help his team in the Round of 16 against Belgium.

The Belgian Football Association expressed surprise at this unexpected decision. Conversely, US President Donald Trump did not hide his delight, praising the world football governing body's verdict on his social media: "Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice."

An anonymous AP source does not have details on who specifically called Infantino or when. According to AFP, citing the New York Times, President Trump himself was reportedly on the other end of the phone, having called Infantino on Wednesday to request a review of Balogun's expulsion.

The USA will battle for a quarter-final spot against Belgium at 2:00 AM CEST in Seattle. Balogun is the American team's top scorer, having netted three goals in the tournament.