FIFA has rescinded the red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to face Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. The governing body’s disciplinary committee overturned the automatic one-match suspension that followed his dismissal during the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The decision was made in line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, a provision that permits the suspension of red cards provided the offence does not involve match-fixing. While the ban is lifted, Balogun enters a one-year probationary period. Should he commit another infringement of similar gravity during this time, the original one-game suspension will be enforced.
The Incident and Precedent
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering the automatic suspension that would have ruled him out of the Belgium fixture.
FIFA has previously invoked Article 27 to clear Cristiano Ronaldo, allowing the Portugal forward to start his country’s World Cup campaign after receiving a red card against the Republic of Ireland.
Reactions
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disagreed with the original decision. “Never a red card,” he stated. “Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.”
The disciplinary saga also attracted an unusual intervention from Maximus, the Belgian prime minister’s cat. An official Instagram post showed the pet holding a red card alongside the text: “Red card? I’m still playing.”
Tournament Stakes
Balogun’s reinstatement comes as the United States attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.