FIFA suspends red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Belgium match
FIFA has placed a one-year probation on the one-match suspension imposed on USMNT forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the round-of-16 game against Belgium.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that the one-match suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun for a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been suspended for a one-year probationary period. Under Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the suspension will be enforced only if Balogun commits a similar infringement during that time.
Balogun, 25, was sent off after a review of a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. The disciplinary committee initially imposed a one-match ban for serious foul play, but the implementation of that ban has now been suspended, making him available for the round-of-16 match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said the incident was accidental, and teammate Christian Pulisic described the sanction as harsh. Balogun has started every game except one in the tournament, scoring twice in the opener against Paraguay and contributing in each match he has played.
World Cup suspensions cannot be appealed, though FIFA’s disciplinary body can modify sanctions. The decision follows similar precedents, such as the partial suspension of a ban given to Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the competition.