FIFA’s decision to rescind U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card for the team’s round of 16 knockout match against Belgium on Monday evening sent shock waves through the football world. Following a disciplinary review, the one-match ban was suspended, and Balogun was placed on a one-year probationary period.
STUNNING RED CARD DECISION
Balogun was issued a straight red card in the 64th minute of the U.S. match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Balogun fouled Bosnia-Herzegovina defender when he swiped at a loose ball, missed, and hit the outside ankle of Tarik Mujaremovic. Referee Raphael Claus called a foul on Balogun. VAR intervened and instructed Mujaremovic to review the play. After he reviewed the play, Mujaremovic issued a straight red card to Bolagun. The U.S. persevered, played with ten men, and scored a late goal to secure the 2-0 victory.
BEHIND THE SCENES APPEAL
The red card was a talking point after the game, and it was unclear whether it could be appealed without further action by the referee. According to FIFA World Cup regulations, red cards cannot be appealed.
Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
The U.S. Soccer Federation repealed the red card, and FIFA made its shock decision Sunday morning.
US TAKES HIGH GROUND, ACCEPTS THE DECISION WITHOUT FANFARE
As one would expect, the U.S. Soccer Federation took the high ground in accepting the shocking decision.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said in a statement on Sunday. “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.”
BELGIUM SURPRISED
For Belgium, the news was an absolute shocker and obviously unexpected. The Federation quickly issued a statement announcing that it was “ investing all potential options.” Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia accepted the decision but took a swipe at FIFA “I didn’t know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April — it’s April Fools’ [Day],” Garcia said at a news conference Sunday.
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