U.S. striker's one-match ban suspended ahead of World Cup last-16 match

FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban given to the United States forward after a straight red card during a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The governing body placed the suspension on probation for one year under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The player had been shown the red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The forward had scored twice for the United States earlier in the tournament, including once in the same match.

Eligibility restored The United States striker is now available for the team's last-16 match against Belgium, scheduled for 1 a.m. Tuesday. US Soccer stated it is pleased the player is eligible to compete. Teammates learned of the decision on social media while traveling to training. One player said the group initially questioned whether the news was real before expressing relief.

Background to the decision The United States Secretary of State said the original red card decision should be reviewed and called for an appeal process. The player had been a key contributor for the United States at the tournament. The team aims to reach the quarter-finals and match its second-best World Cup finish from 2002. Belgium advanced after a 3-2 comeback win over Senegal.