FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making the striker available for the United States’ World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.
Recall that the 25-year-old was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the suspension would not take immediate effect.
“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.”
FIFA clears Balogun
The decision allows Balogun to feature in the United States’ knockout fixture against Belgium.
The former Arsenal forward has been one of the USA’s key performers at the tournament, scoring twice in the opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay before adding another goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after contesting a looping ball with Muharemovic. As he attempted to shield possession, the Bosnia defender moved in front of him, and Balogun’s boot landed on the back of Muharemovic’s ankle.
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Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially allowed play to continue before issuing a red card after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor following advice from the video assistant referee (VAR).
Political reaction
The decision drew reactions from senior United States officials.
US President, Donald Trump, welcomed FIFA’s ruling in a post on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had earlier questioned the dismissal while speaking at a news conference.
“It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that,” he said.
FIFA regulations and precedent
Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically carries a suspension for the following match, although the governing body has the authority to increase or suspend disciplinary sanctions.
Earlier in the tournament, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo had his suspension extended from one to five matches after his challenge left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken leg.
There is also precedent for suspending bans at World Cup level.
Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, was cleared to play in the opening match of the tournament despite receiving a red card during World Cup qualifying against the Republic of Ireland.
The forward initially received a three-match suspension after being sent off for an elbow on Dara O’Shea in November.
After serving one match against Armenia, FIFA suspended the remainder of the ban for one year, allowing him to feature in Portugal’s opening World Cup fixtures.
