White House 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

The White House 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, the Guardian understands, resulting in Sunday’s stunning announcement that he would be available for the cohosts’ last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle on Monday night.

The decision gives the US a huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

Balogun has been a constant threat for the US so far this tournament, and has scored three goals in three starts.

Sources: The Guardian