FIFA suspends Balogun’s ban — USA forward can play against Belgium

USA national team forward Folarin Balogun will be able to take part in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium despite being sent off in the previous game against Bosnia.

FIFA has decided to hand Balogun a suspended one-match ban. The red card remains in force and will stay on the player’s disciplinary record, but the suspension itself has been postponed. As a result, the USA forward is eligible to play in the knockout stage.

The decision was based on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Under this article, the judicial body has the right to fully or partially suspend the implementation of disciplinary measures.

Interestingly, the U.S. Soccer Federation did not file an appeal, as sources say it had been informed that there were no grounds for one. Balogun himself had earlier said in Seattle that he was ready to accept missing the match against Belgium.

A similar situation occurred with Cristiano Ronaldo before the World Cup. The Portuguese forward avoided a three-match ban after being sent off against Ireland, as FIFA also applied the suspended sanction mechanism. 

For the USA national team, this is an important decision ahead of the round of 16. Balogun remains one of the team’s key attacking players and will be able to help the Americans against Belgium.