sports
FIFA Suspends Folarin Balogun One-Game Ban for World Cup Match
FIFA suspended the one-game ban on Folarin Balogun on Sunday, clearing the United States forward to play in Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision followed a red card issued during the team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FA
washingtonpost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
FIFA suspended the one-game ban imposed on Folarin Balogun on Sunday, making the forward eligible for the United States' World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle. Balogun leads the United States with three goals in the tournament, including the winner in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Post by @FabrizioRomano on X
He received a straight red card from Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after video review for stepping on an opponent's foot, though no foul was called on the field. FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which permits suspension of a sanction and placement of the player on probation for one to four years. The governing body placed Balogun on a one-year probationary period.
U.S. Soccer accepted the disciplinary committee's decision. The team learned of the suspension on the way to training Sunday morning. Balogun had stated two days earlier that he disagreed with the red-card decision but accepted it and believed a yellow card would have been fair.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that FIFA had reversed a great injustice. Landon Donovan said the decision restored justice and noted that Balogun should never have been sent off. Christian Pulisic said the team was happy to have its leading scorer available.
