United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for his country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban he received following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The decision means the 25-year-old forward is free to feature in one of the USA’s biggest matches of the tournament despite initially facing an automatic suspension.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
The dismissal drew widespread debate, with many arguing the punishment was too harsh.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that while the one-match suspension remains on Balogun’s disciplinary record, its enforcement has been suspended for a probationary period of one year under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The governing body said:
“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.”
FIFA added that the suspension could still be activated if the striker commits another similar offence during the probation period.
“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.”
The ruling was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised FIFA for overturning what he described as an unfair decision.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also questioned the red card, arguing that Balogun had been treated unfairly.
Speaking at a news conference, Rubio said:
“It was great. They got screwed with that red card.”
He added:
“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that.”
Balogun has been one of the standout performers for Mauricio Pochettino’s side during the tournament.
The former Arsenal striker scored twice after the United States opened its World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
He also found the net against Bosnia-Herzegovina before being sent off in the 64th minute following the challenge on Muharemovic.
With FIFA’s decision, Balogun is now expected to lead the American attack when the United States takes on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
