FIFA has rescinded the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the team’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The decision overturns the automatic one-game suspension that accompanied the dismissal, which occurred during the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The world governing body’s disciplinary committee reached its verdict in line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision permits the suspension of red cards provided the offence does not involve match-fixing. However, Balogun will serve a one-year probationary period. During this time, the red card remains technically on his record; should he commit another infringement of similar gravity within that period, he will serve the original ban.
The Incident
Balogun received a straight red card for violent conduct following a collision with a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender during the last-32 encounter. No foul was initially awarded, but the video assistant referee recommended a review after footage showed the striker had stepped on the opponent’s ankle. Upon review, the referee dismissed Balogun, a decision that surprised the US camp.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly contested the ruling. “For me? Never a red card,” he stated after the match. “Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.”
Precedent and Official Response
FIFA has previously invoked Article 27 to clear Cristiano Ronaldo to start Portugal’s World Cup campaign after he received a red card against the Republic of Ireland. In this instance, US Soccer confirmed its engagement with the process. “We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” the federation said in a statement on Sunday. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.”
President Donald Trump also commented on the reversal, writing on his Truth Social platform: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
Balogun himself maintained a composed outlook following the dismissal. “I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,” he said. “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.”
Tournament Impact
The reinstatement represents a significant boost for the United States, who are seeking to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been instrumental in their campaign, scoring three goals in three starts. His availability allows Pochettino to field his first-choice attack against Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association was understood to be preparing a statement regarding the decision when contacted.