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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Matt Hughes, Paul MacInnes in New Jersey and Alexander Abnos in Seattle

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

Folarin Balogun in a red and white striped jersey points upward while running on a field
Folarin Balogun has been a key part of the US attack with three goals in this World Cup. Photograph: Paul Kitagaki Jr/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

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.

Trump made three calls to Fifa, starting from Wednesday, to ensure that the change was made.

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