Folarin Balogun's Red Card Suspension Lifted, Giving USA a Significant World Cup Advantage
Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play for the United States against Belgium in the World Cup last 16, despite being sent off in the team's previous match. The striker was dismissed for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic during the US' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino had expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating that it was not a red card offense. FIFA has now announced that Balogun's ban has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to face Belgium.
According to FIFA's disciplinary code, if Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked. The decision has been welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who described the initial red card as a "great injustice" and thanked FIFA for their verdict.
This is not the first time FIFA has used this provision, having previously allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal's first World Cup match after he was sent off earlier in the year. The suspension reprieve is a significant boost for the US team ahead of their crucial match against Belgium.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino had expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating that it was not a red card offense. FIFA has now announced that Balogun's ban has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to face Belgium.
According to FIFA's disciplinary code, if Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked. The decision has been welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who described the initial red card as a "great injustice" and thanked FIFA for their verdict.
This is not the first time FIFA has used this provision, having previously allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Portugal's first World Cup match after he was sent off earlier in the year. The suspension reprieve is a significant boost for the US team ahead of their crucial match against Belgium.
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