Folarin Balogun, the US striker, is set to participate in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday following FIFA’s decision to lift the one-match ban he received for a red card issued during the contest against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This ruling significantly enhances the US team’s prospects as they aim to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been instrumental for the US in this tournament, netting three goals in three starts. His absence would have forced head coach Mauricio Pochettino to find alternative attacking strategies.
FIFA’s Decision Explained
FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced that the suspension was rescinded in accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which permits the cancellation of red cards under certain conditions. While Balogun’s ban has been deferred, he will remain on probation for one year. Should he commit another similar offense during this period, he will serve the one-match suspension.
This approach mirrors a previous instance where FIFA utilized Article 27 to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to participate in the early matches of Portugal’s World Cup campaign after receiving a red card against the Republic of Ireland.
US Soccer’s Reaction
“another infringement of a similar nature and gravity,” US Soccer stated. “We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,”
Balogun’s dismissal came about after a seemingly minor clash with a defender from Bosnia and Herzegovina in a last-32 match earlier in the week. Initially, no foul was called, but the video assistant referee (VAR) suggested a review upon noticing Balogun stepping on the defender’s ankle. The referee subsequently issued a straight red card for violent conduct.
This ruling took many by surprise, including commentators, players, and the coaching staff, who believed the incident was unintentional.
“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.” Pochettino remarked after the match. “For me? Never a red card,”
At the time, FIFA and US Soccer officials indicated that the one-game suspension accompanying a red card was not subject to appeal.
Reflecting on the incident on Friday, Balogun described the experience as “Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.” He received accolades for maintaining composure in response to a red card that many deemed excessive.
“I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,” Balogun stated. “There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust.”
