Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States in their World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban. The striker was sent off during the US's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco, California, for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic, where he stepped on the defender's ankle.
Controversial Dismissal
Balogun had scored the opening goal for Mauricio Pochettino's side just before half-time but was dismissed shortly after the hour mark in a decision that sparked outrage. Pochettino, the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager, expressed his fury after the match, stating: "For me? Never a red card. Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident."
FIFA's Decision
FIFA announced that Balogun's ban has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. In a statement, the governing body said: "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." This means Balogun can face Belgium in the last 16 without serving the suspension.
Trump Weighs In
US President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, calling the initial red card a "great injustice" and thanking FIFA for their decision. He wrote on Truth Social: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Precedent Set by Ronaldo
FIFA had previously used Article 27 to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal's first match of the 2022 World Cup against the DR Congo, after the forward was sent off earlier in the year against the Republic of Ireland. This precedent likely influenced the decision regarding Balogun.
