Why was Balogun’s red card ban suspended by FIFA?
The USMNT striker was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but now it looks like he will play against Belgium.
It looks like Folarin Balogun will play for the USA against Belgium in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The striker was sent off in the game for a clumsy, studs-up rake down the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg. However, the nature of the sending off quickly caused controversy, with the referee called over to review the issue. He was sent off and given a one game ban. This looks to have now been overturned with no explanation given as to why.
The Athletic first reported the decision, which has not yet been confirmed. In their report of the matter, they cite Article 27 of disciplinary code. It states that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure” and explains that “if the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
FIFA sources, as reported by Ben Jacobs, “had insisted US Soccer had no appeal” and that they did not attempt to appeal the decision as a result of the ruling. Balogun himself also said he accepted the decision. But somehow, just like with Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off against the Republic of Ireland and should have missed the opening games of the tournament, FIFA have decided to use their powers of intervention and overturn the decision.
Will Balogun play against Belgium?
The USMNT take on Belgium on Monday, with the game kicking off at 8pm ET at Lumen Field, Seattle on Monday. Should Balogun’s overturned ban be confirmed, he will be available to play.
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