Folarin Balogun available to play for USMNT vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card
FIFA announced Sunday that the one-game suspension that came with Balogun’s red card against Bosnia has been suspended “for a probationary period of one year.”
U.S. men’s soccer team star striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 game after all.
FIFA announced just before the team’s practice Sunday that the one-game suspension that came with Balogun’s red card against Bosnia in the round of 16 has been suspended “for a probationary period of one year.”
It’s a special treatment that world soccer’s governing body has only previously given to one of the biggest superstars in the history of the sport, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. After he elbowed a Republic of Ireland player in a World Cup qualifier in March, he was to be banned for three games, which would have included his team’s first two of the World Cup.
» READ MORE: Folarin Balogun has already moved on from his red card, and backs the USMNT to do the same
But FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which says “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,” and made those two games probation.
Now FIFA is doing the same thing for Balogun.
The 25-year-old was ejected from the U.S.’ round of 32 win for running the studs of his right cleat down the right calf of Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemović, then catching the back of Muharemović’s foot.
Referee Raphael Claus didn’t call it at first, but the video review officials saw it and recommended Claus take a second look. Once he did, the red card felt inevitable.
FIFA does not allow appeals of red cards, but as said above, the governing body can decide on its own to suspend a suspension.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete [Monday],” U.S. soccer said in a statement. “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.”
