The U.S. men’s national team received a significant lift ahead of its Round of 16 meeting with Belgium after FIFA cleared striker Folarin Balogun to play. Balogun had been shown a red card in the second half of the United States’ win over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a challenge on a defender, with the referee upgrading the incident after a VAR review. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has now set aside the automatic one-match ban, making Balogun available for selection.
FIFA addressed the decision in a statement, noting that the suspension will instead be subject to a one-year probationary period:
“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
U.S. Soccer also released a statement, emphasizing that the team is eager to have Balogun available as it prepares to play in front of supporters in Seattle.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
According to CBS Sports’ Pardeep Cattry, U.S. Soccer learned of the decision during a phone call on Saturday morning while it was in communication with FIFA regarding the suspension. Players were informed soon afterward during a team meeting.
The original red-card decision had already drawn scrutiny. Balogun was not initially booked on the field, and the incident was only revisited after VAR examined slow-motion footage. FIFA’s ruling, however, did not formally challenge the referee’s decision to issue the red card. Instead, the governing body exercised its authority to suspend the enforcement of the ban under a probationary framework.
Has a suspension like this been overturned before?
Although there was no formal appeal process available, FIFA’s judicial bodies retain the power to suspend disciplinary sanctions either fully or in part. A comparable situation recently involved Cristiano Ronaldo, who was allowed to feature at the World Cup after receiving a red card against Ireland that otherwise would have ruled him out of Portugal’s opening match. FIFA similarly suspended the sanction, enabling Ronaldo to continue playing for his national team without serving an immediate ban.
It’s a major boost to the team as Balogun has scored three goals in the World Cup so far. His presence in the attack has created a real danger, and it’ll be on display as they look to make the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 when they defeated Mexico in the round of 16 under Bruce Arena.
