FIFA Reinstates 25-Year-Old Balogun for Belgium Match After Overturning 1-Game Ban
Updated
Updated · CNN International · Jul 2
FIFA Reinstates 25-Year-Old Balogun for Belgium Match After Overturning 1-Game Ban
3 articles · Updated · CNN International · Jul 2
Summary
Folarin Balogun is now eligible for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reversed the automatic suspension tied to his straight red card.
The 25-year-old US striker had been sent off in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after VAR review judged his challenge on Tarik Muharemović dangerous play.
The reversal was unexpected because FIFA’s tournament rules say a direct red card triggers an automatic one-match ban, and US Soccer had said there was no avenue to appeal unless the suspension was extended.
The dismissal had sparked broad backlash, with teammate Weston McKennie calling the lack of an appeals process “bogus” and other athletes pointing to inconsistent punishment for similar incidents.
Balogun’s availability restores a key attacker for the United States as it prepares for Belgium in Seattle with a quarterfinal against Spain, Austria, Portugal or Croatia potentially next.