Folarin Balogun, the striker for the United States, is set to participate in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday. This follows Fifa’s announcement that it has lifted the one-match suspension imposed on him due to a red card he received during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This development significantly enhances the US team’s chances as they strive to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been instrumental in the tournament, netting three goals in three appearances. His absence would have left US coach Mauricio Pochettino scrambling for alternatives in the forward position.
Fifa’s Decision Explained
Fifa’s disciplinary committee cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which permits the annulment of red cards, as the basis for their decision. While Balogun’s suspension is temporarily lifted, he will be under a probationary period of one year. Should he commit another serious infringement during this timeframe, he would then serve the one-game ban.
This precedent of rescinding red cards has been used before; notably, Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in Portugal’s opening matches of the World Cup following a similar incident against the Republic of Ireland.
Reactions to the Suspension
In response to Fifa’s ruling, US Soccer expressed their satisfaction, stating, “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity,”
Balogun’s red card stemmed from an innocuous clash with a defender from Bosnia and Herzegovina in a recent last-32 match. Initially, no foul was called, but the video assistant referee (VAR) recommended a review, which led to the referee issuing a straight red for violent conduct after reviewing the play.
This ruling surprised commentators as well as the US players and coaching staff, who insisted the incident was unintentional.
“We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” Pochettino stated after the match. “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.”
Initially, both Fifa and US Soccer officials indicated that the one-game suspension could not be contested.
Balogun’s Reflections
On Friday, Balogun described the situation as “For me? Never a red card,” and he received praise for maintaining his composure despite what many viewed as a harsh penalty.
“Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.” Balogun remarked. “I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,”
