United States forward Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in his country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed following his red card. Balogun had been set to miss Monday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over […]
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United States forward Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in his country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed following his red card.
Balogun had been set to miss Monday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
The striker was sent off for stepping on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement, FIFA announced that the implementation of Balogun’s one-match suspension had been deferred for a probationary period of one year in line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The decision means Balogun is eligible to feature against Belgium, providing a major boost for the United States as they bid to reach the quarter-finals.
US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing the suspension of the ban as the correction of an injustice.
The incident had also attracted political attention in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously calling on FIFA to rescind the red card.
Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the United States’ chances when they take on Belgium in the Round of 16.
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