FIFA has suspended the one-match ban imposed on American striker Folarin Balogun, clearing the way for him to play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
The decision came after the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) publicly expressed its "perplexity" regarding the initial disciplinary ruling that had threatened to sideline the player for the crucial knockout fixture.
The controversy centers on a red card received by Balogun, which initially triggered an automatic suspension.
FIFA's intervention to lift the ban ensures the United States can field their key attacker against a Belgian side already struggling for momentum.
The RBFA's statement highlighted the confusion surrounding the procedural handling of the case, though the final outcome favors the American squad.
This development arrives at a critical juncture for Belgium, whose World Cup campaign has faltered significantly.