Over the weekend, FIFA added some drama to Monday night’s showdown between the United States and Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup, announcing that USMNT striker Folarin Balogun would be eligible to play in the match despite receiving a red card in the previous match, which carries an automatic suspension.
It was a rather unprecedented move from FIFA that sparked widespread outrage from the soccer and sports community, especially after United States President Donald Trump became involved in requesting a review of the foul. Now, further complicating things, Balogun has received a new punishment from FIFA.
During last week’s showdown between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was issued a red card by VAR after he stepped on an opponent’s leg and ankle while jostling for positioning on an incoming ball.
As a result of the straight red card, Balogun was sent off from the match, meaning the United States had to play the remainder of the match with just 10 men. Even more significantly, a red card carries an automatic suspension for the next game, meaning that Balogun would be unavailable for the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.
However, in a highly unusual move, FIFA announced on Sunday that his punishment for the red card had been suspended. FIFA cited Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, which FIFA also used to reverse a two-match suspension for Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo before the beginning of the World Cup.
It was a rather unprecedented move from FIFA that sparked widespread outrage from the soccer and sports community, especially after United States President Donald Trump became involved in requesting a review of the foul. Now, further complicating things, Balogun has received a new punishment from FIFA.
During last week’s showdown between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was issued a red card by VAR after he stepped on an opponent’s leg and ankle while jostling for positioning on an incoming ball.
As a result of the straight red card, Balogun was sent off from the match, meaning the United States had to play the remainder of the match with just 10 men. Even more significantly, a red card carries an automatic suspension for the next game, meaning that Balogun would be unavailable for the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.
However, in a highly unusual move, FIFA announced on Sunday that his punishment for the red card had been suspended. FIFA cited Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, which FIFA also used to reverse a two-match suspension for Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo before the beginning of the World Cup.
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