Folarin Balogun is available for the USMNT World Cup of 16 vs. Belgium: FIFA proposes suspension of red cards
The US men’s national team has received a major boost in their hopes of defeating Belgium as striker Folarin Balogun was shown a red card. Balogun was sent off in the second half of the United States’ win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on a defender, with the referee red carding him following a VAR review. Now FIFA’s disciplinary committee has overturned it, giving him a 16-point ban and overturning his one-match ban.
FIFA issued a statement on the red card, which includes a one-year probationary period:
“In accordance 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 violation of a similar nature and gravity during the probation period, the suspension will be revoked and the penalty enforced without prejudice to any new penalty.”
US Soccer also released a statement, saying they look forward to the support of the fans in Seattle, where they will have Balogun.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and we are happy that Folarin Balogun is fit 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.”
While US Soccer was working with FIFA regarding the suspension, they received the news in a phone call Saturday morning, according to CBS Sports’ Pardeep Cattry. And the team was told shortly after that in a team meeting.
The red card itself was the result of a questionable set of circumstances. Balogun was not even cautioned on the pitch initially, and it was only after slow replays that VAR reviewed the events. However, FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension did not call into question the first red card, it only asserted that it is the right to suspend the suspension for a trial period if it decides.
Has a suspension like this been overturned before?
There was no formal appeal process, but the judicial body had the right to suspend in whole or in part disciplinary action. This is the same reason why Cristiano Ronaldo was there to start the World Cup after receiving a red card against Ireland, which would have seen him miss Portugal’s World Cup opener. FIFA also suspended that red card in the same way, which allowed him to play for his national team without missing any matches.
It has boosted the team a lot as Balogun has scored three goals in the World Cup so far. His presence in attack has created a real threat, and it will be seen as they look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002 beating Mexico in the round of 16 under Bruce Arena.
What is Belgium?
The Royal Belgian FA is not happy with the result and is “investigating all possible options.”
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is surprised by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday, July 6 at 5:00 pm (Seattle time),” the statement said. After talking about the problems caused by the ambiguity of Article 27, which was used to cancel the red card, the statement continued.
“However, Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly states that a red card (dismissal) automatically leads to the suspension of the team from the next match, as has been the case with all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.”
“Furthermore, notwithstanding the above, the decision is in direct conflict with the provisions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:
“If a player or a team official is sent off because of a direct or indirect red card (second warning), he will be automatically suspended from the next match of the team. In addition, other sanctions may be imposed.” The automatic nature of that suspension was also clearly confirmed in the Circular of the FIFA World Cup 2026 that was distributed to the member on May 16 to all organizations on May 16, 2026.
“The same rule is repeated in every FIFA World Cup 2026 Meeting Coordination Meeting before each match and is included in every presentation of the FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop. In order to protect the legal rights of all participating teams and to protect the basic principles of fair play in our game, both in this FIFA World Cup, the RFA may exist in all future World Cup tournaments.
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