Soccer Body Applies Rule to Allow Striker in Round-of-16 Match

Folarin Balogun received a red card that would have kept him out of the round-of-16 match. Soccer’s governing body applied a rule that restored his eligibility for the game against Belgium. The red card had been issued during an earlier match. Officials initially scheduled Balogun to miss the next fixture under standard disciplinary procedures.

The governing body reviewed the case and determined that a separate provision permitted participation. The rule had not been widely applied in recent tournaments.

The round-of-16 game is part of the current competition schedule.

Belgium is the scheduled opponent. No further disciplinary action has been announced by the governing body.