SEATTLE– Folarin Balogun is in the United States’ starting lineup for Monday’s World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA lifted his red card suspension in a decision that caused uproar throughout the sport.

Balogun’s red card was called by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.

Following a phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for one year on Sunday, prompting European governing body UEFA to call the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”

Belgium’s attempt to have FIFA reinstate the suspension was rejected by FIFA’s appeals committee, which said the Belgian federation lacked standing.

Belgian fans chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their pre-match march to Lumen Field.

Infantino said he played no role in the decision of the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a fine that can be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Balogun’s three goals lead the United States, which has never won consecutive World Cup qualifying matches. Belgium eliminated the Americans in the 2014 round of 16.

The winner between the United States and Belgium will face Spain on Friday in Inglewood, California, for a spot in the semifinals against France or Morocco. The United States last reached the quarterfinals in 2002, when they were eliminated by Germany. The Americans advanced to the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930.

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