Folarin Balogun has been named in the United States' starting line-up for Monday's FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban following a review prompted by US President Donald Trump.
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino selected the in-form striker as the co-hosts bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was originally suspended after receiving a red card for inadvertently stepping on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during the USA's 2-0 last-32 victory on Wednesday.
However, FIFA overturned the immediate suspension after reviewing the incident. It later emerged that President Trump had personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review, saying he did not believe the challenge warranted a suspension.
The decision has sparked significant controversy across the football world.
The Royal Belgian Football Association responded by launching a formal challenge to Balogun's eligibility before Monday's match, arguing the striker should not be allowed to play.
FIFA rejected Belgium's appeal on Monday, ruling it "inadmissible" and confirming Balogun's availability for the knockout fixture.
Speaking on Monday, Trump confirmed he had raised the issue directly with Infantino.
"All I did was ask for a review, I didn't say you have to do this," Trump said.
Infantino maintained that FIFA's disciplinary process remained independent and insisted the governing body's decision was not influenced by the US president's intervention.
